Jeffrey Stevens (2017)

GENTRY, MANSON, STEVENS, WILDEN

Posted By: Shirley Keating
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:02:52

Ilescares
Des Moines, Iowa
October 2017

Jeffrey Stevens, Des Moines, IA

Jeff was born December 7, 1955 in Winterset, Iowa to his parents Phyllis and Jack Stevens. The first of three children, Jeff was a much-loved son and wonderful big brother to Tim and Tracey. He was incredibly intelligent, taking school with ease and pride. His first sport was baseball which he and Tim played as their dad coached Little League. He then moved on to bowling; he seemed to be a natural and had the luxury of playing at will for a year or two at the bowling alley run by his mom and dad in Wilbur, Nebraska. It wasn’t long before he found a golf club in his hand and this proved to be his most achieved sport.

Moving to Waukee in his eighth grade year, Jeff continued to golf to the point that he was responsible for forming the first golf team in Waukee high school. He attended Grandview University in Des Moines for two years and was awarded a scholarship to play golf for the University of Houston. Jeff lived in Houston for several years, somehow appealing to his brother then his sister to move to Houston as well. Tim still resides in Houston, crafting his skill as a finish carpenter and loving the fishing provided by the Gulf.

As a teenager, Jeff loved his car, a 1967 GTO. Researching the engine he wanted in that car, he had the engine built in California; a screaming fast car that he loved to race downtown Des Moines while “scooping the loop.”
All the while he was growing up, Jeff loved to hunt. He spent many seasons hunting pheasant, duck, quail, and squirrels with his brother, dad, Grandfather “Grampie”, uncles, cousins and friends—even his sister (though later she figured out she carried a rifle but was really “the dog” used to flush the birds). He loved the Iowa timber and he loved to cook; comparing recipes with his dad and siblings. Jeff learned the art of sales at a young age and for many years was well known in Des Moines for selling cars.

Jeff lived eleven years with his companion, Roxanne Wilden, whom he considered his wife. Sadly, Roxanne passed away four years ago from Multiple Sclerosis, breaking Jeff’s heart. As he picked up his life and began to move forward, cancer found its way into his body, making the last two years a struggle. But mostly, Jeff loved his family. He was a colorful character who was particularly endeared by his mom, especially through his struggles with cancer. He will be greatly missed for his candid and intelligent conversations.

Jeff is preceded in death by his love, Roxanne Wilden, his father Jack Stevens, and his cousin JoEllen Gentry. Sit up tall in the saddle, Jeff. John Wayne is in heaven too.
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Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
Friday, October 6, 2017

Jeffrey Stevens, Des Moines

Jeffrey A. Stevens 61, of Des Moines passed away from cancer on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Dunn's Funeral Home 2121 Grand Ave in Des Moines from 2-4 p.m.

Survivors include his mother Phyllis Stevens of West Des Moines, a brother Timothy J. Stevens of Houston, TX and a sister, Tracey (Jim) Manson of Granger, IA, two nieces and a nephew, Haley, Sasha and James.

The family would like to thank extended family and friends for their support as well as the caregivers at Taylor House.

Gravesite
 

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