Thomas Stephens

Never one to quit until the job was completely done Tom Stephens decided that after 96 years of giving it his best his work here on earth was finally finished. He passed away on August 8, 2019.

Tom was born June 14, 1923 on a farm just Southwest of New Richmond, Wisconsin.  He was the oldest of seven children of John and Anna Stephens.

In high school he met and fell in love with Margaret Moore.  They were Married September 20, 1944 and moved to a farm Tom bought just north of Boardman, WI.  That’s where they would live together for the next 74 years.  Due to failing health, a year ago Margaret had to move into the Health Center in New Richmond.  But thanks to dogged determination, along with the help of his children Tom Jr., Dave and Diane – Tom stayed exactly where he wanted – on the farm he and Margaret moved to the day they were married.  A farm he loved and nurtured.

Tom was a true self-made man. For most of his career he was a cattle dealer buying and selling dairy cattle to farmers in Midwestern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Nobody had a better eye for a quality Holstein. He had contracts to ship cattle all over the United States and as far away as Venezuela. He was liked and respected by both his customers and competitors – in the business world there is no higher compliment.

He was a loving husband. A great provider.  The best father a kid could ask for. A proud grandfather and a doting great grandfather.  Not one to simply profess his love in words he chose to demonstrate his love through unconditional support, genuine concern for your well being and tender sweet actions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, sisters Alice, Jean and Mary. He is survived by his sister Marge (Ed) Lancello, brother Bob (Avalon) and sister-in-law Anita Stephens.

In his immediate family Tom was preceded in death by sons Gary and Joe – heartbreaking for him, grandsons Troy and Jacob and great grandson Elijah. He is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Tom (Chery), Ted (Gretchen), and Dave (Karen) and daughter Diane (Joe) Jamieson. He has 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. All will miss him tremendously and all feel blessed to have had him as long as we did.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Monday August 12, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to Mass at the church.