STEVENSON, Harlan R. (1916-2002)

STEVENSON, CLAPSADDLE, SWYTER, ERICKSON, SMEBY

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 8/8/2014 at 18:39:39

Harlan Stevenson
1916-2002

May 21, 2002

Harlan R. Stevenson of Britt, died Sunday, May 12, 2002, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. He was 85.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 15, at the United Methodist Church, Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. Music was provided by Frances Huling who accompanied soloist, Eugene Guenther and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Harry Smith and Dennis Zuehl.

Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements. Military services were provided by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. Casketbearers were Allan Orsen, Dennis Swyter, Steve Erickson, Jon Stevenson, Robert Sendle and Mike Stevenson.

Harlan Robert Stevenson, son of Minnie G. and Herbert R. Stevenson was born at Brandt, South Dakota on June 25, 1916. He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from the Morris School of Agriculture, Morris, Minnesota in May of 1935.

He worked on road construction in Minnesota for a short time and then went to Weslaco, Texas and worked at a grapefruit juice plant. In 1938, he came to Britt and worked one season on a farm and then was employed by his uncles, Wallace and Les Stevenson who owned and operated the Stevenson Dairy at Britt.

On November 3, 1941, he married Alberta L. Clapsaddle from Britt at the Webster, South Dakota, First Methodist Church.

On January 24, 1942, he was drafted into the army. He trained at Camp Walters, Texas, then at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, training as an auto mechanic. October 5, 1942, he joined the 169th infantry, 43rd Division and served in the South Pacific Islands until May of 1945. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart while on Russell Islands for the North Solomon Campaign during W.W. II. He earned the Bronze Star for his service on the Island of Iwo Jima. He received his honorable discharge March 17, 1945.

Upon returning home, Mr. Stevenson farmed, built and sold buildings, raised hogs, and built and operated the Stevenson Feed and Farm Supply from 1957 to March of 1974. He enjoyed farming, building, traveling, woodworking, square dancing, and camping. He retired from farming in 1990.

Mr. Stevenson was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Eastern Star, VFW, and American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta of Britt; son, Gary and his wife, Mary Ann of Mounds View, Minnesota; grandchildren, Joshua and Katherine. He is also survived by three sisters, Bernice Swyter of Paynesville, Minnesota, DeLane Erickson of Mounds View, Minnesota and Ruth Smeby of Mason City; three brothers, Arnold and his friend, Marilyn of Lady of the Lake, Florida, Kenneth and his wife, Dorothy of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Robert and his friend, Vicky of Britt; and many nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four sisters, Hazel, Vera, Gladys and Jean.

Copyright © Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, Britt, Iowa 50423, Phone: 641-843-3839; [http://www.ewingfh.com ]