Gary Richard Stephenson

Obituary of Gary Stephenson for Shepard of the Hills

Gary Richard Stephenson was born to Don and Alberta Stephenson on April 21, 1937, on the dining room table in Grant NE. He was baptized on May 23, 1937, at Zion Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karida, his two sons, Paul Richard, and Mark Allan, his two granddaughters, Chelle Lyn and Ashlee Taylor, his grandson Preston and great-granddaughter Riley, his sister Ilena Schultz, and nephew Eric.

His early childhood was spent in western Nebraska. He moved to southern California while his father served with the 5th Marine Division during WWII. After the war he and his family returned to Nebraska and settled in Omaha where they join the congregation of Bethney Lutheran Church. While attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha he met his bride to be, Karida, at a Walther League gathering. They were married on September 12, 1957, at First Lutheran Church. Together they started a family, moved to Colorado, where Gary started his career with Public Service Co., now Xcel Energy, were charter members of Shepard of the Hills when service were being held in the old Grange Hall and attended the groundbreaking of the church’s current location.

While with Xcel, Gary advanced in his career and moved to Cheyenne, WY. While here he became involved in community service through the Jay Cees and the HEELS organization (they run Cheyenne Frontier Days). While with the Jay Cees he honed his public speaking skills, which were recognized by various awards he won, and he became the chapter’s Chaplin. During this time he also served as a substitute lay minister for both his home congregation in Cheyenne and in Burns, WY.

From Cheyenne, his career led him back to Colorado where he served as the district engineer working out of both the Evergreen and Idaho Springs offices. After becoming empty nesters, Gary and Karida moved off the hill and back into the city. He retired from Xcel, became a grandpa (affectionately known as papa), they became entrepreneurs, selling Mountain Man candies and treats, traveled, and enjoyed retirement.

Gary loved to serve the communities he lived in. He was active in many service organizations such as, Grant Street Outreach, feeding the homeless, Douglas/Elbert County Task Forse, Chater member of the Lone Tree Volunteers in Policing, traveling to impacted areas from hurricane Katrina to help rebuild, and servicing his church as an elder, choir member, lector, or wherever he was needed. Most of all he loved his wife Karida, his family, and the church he worshiped and fellowshipped in.

We will miss you papa, XOXO