Stessman, William Francis (1933-2022)

STESSMAN LEUSCHEN MCKENNA

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 1/21/2023 at 14:21:48

William Francis Stessman
September 2, 1933 - December 23, 2022

William Francis Stessman, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 23, 2022, in Pineville, NC. Bill was born to Alfred and Beatrice (Leuschen) Stessman on September 2, 1933, and grew up on the family farm in Panama, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Panama and graduated from their school as valedictorian in 1951. Bill attended Loras College for two years prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. After returning from Korea, he completed his business degree from Creighton University.

Bill was united in marriage to Jane McKenna on March 8, 1955 in Tacoma, WA, while awaiting his armed forces assignment. Four children were born to this union: Sheryl, Lauri, Lisa and Mark.

Bill's career spanned positions at Western Electric in Omaha, NE, Jostens in Owatonna, MN, IBM in Rochester, MN, to Discovision in Costa Mesa, CA. In 1982, he was back with IBM and relocated to Charlotte, NC, and eventually retired there. Bill established many lifelong friendships through his work.

Bill loved sports and was an avid golfer, spending time on the links with Jane and many friends. He kidded Jane that she only had two more hole-in-ones than he did (he had zero!). He played basketball, racquetball and slow-pitch softball recreationally. Bill was a great fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was an ardent supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, but later switched his allegiance to the Carolina Panthers. Bill taught at-risk boys to swim at Boys Town, coached boys youth basketball and girls softball in Rochester. He was devout in his faith and volunteered as a money counter at St. Matthew Catholic Church for many years. Bill was a proud member of the Resident Council of The Laurels in the Village of Carolina Place, where he became a resident after Jane's passing. He also had a passion for painting and loved to share his work with everyone he knew.

Bill is survived by his children Sheryl (Annie) in Alameda, CA; Lauri Englund (Jeff) in Rochester, MN; Lisa in Los Angeles, CA; and Mark (Amy) in Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Andy (Kammi) Englund and Amy (Nathan) Schrandt; Emily Stessman, Kara (John) Nobles and Aidan Rudelic; great grandchildren Ian and Kolton Englund; Albert and Hannah Schrandt; Riley, Samuel, Kenna, and Logan Nobles. Bill is also survived by his sister Bernice Book of Earling, IA; many nieces and nephews as well other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Jane, brother Alvin and sisters Margaret Walsh and Ethel Heller.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Brain Injury Program at https://www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/carolinasrehabilitation/ (704.355.4048). The center was integral in Bill's 2008 traumatic brain injury recovery.

Funeral Mass
JAN 19. 11:00 AM
Saint. Matthew Catholic Church
8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28277

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services
Ballantyne Chapel
16151 Lancaster Hwy Ste A
Charlotte, NC 28277

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/248749377/william-francis-stessman
William Francis Stessman
BIRTH
2 Sep 1933
Panama, Shelby County, Iowa, USA
DEATH
23 Dec 2022 (aged 89)
Pineville, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA
BURIAL
Saint Matthew Catholic Church Columbarium
Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA
MEMORIAL ID
248749377 ·