Donald Stevens

DONALD R. STEVENS

Cedar Rapids

Donald R. Stevens, 87, passed away Friday, April 8, 2016. His body has been cremated.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Don was born June 26, 1928, in Cedar Rapids.

His parents, Roy and Ellen Stevens, preceded him in death, as did his sisters, Virginia (John) Kyle, Rowene (Lloyd) Foster and Margaret (Ray) Cook.

Don graduated from Roosevelt High School and served in the U.S. Navy aboard an LST during the Korean War. He received his B.A. in electrical design engineering from the University of Iowa. During his career, he was employed by Western Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, Collins Radio Co. and IES Industries (Alliant), retiring in 1995.

He married Ellen (Cantwell) Noeller in 1984. She survives him, as do his children: Sherry (John) Gotterup, Newport News, Va.; Lisa (Joel) Nelson, Cedar Rapids; and Scott Stevens, Las Vegas, Nev. He also is survived by a stepson, Paul Noeller, Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren; and six stepgrandchildren.

He enjoyed teaching and leading the scouts of BSA Troop 766. The many family camping trips to national forests in the Rocky Mountains were among his fondest memories. In retirement, Don participated as a trumpet player in the Marion Big Band, Kirkwood Community Concert Band and All Iowa Veterans Band.

He was a charter member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and served as chairman of the sanctuary building committee.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Don's name to support disease research.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.

Heartfelt thanks from Ellen and the family to the staff at Heritage Specialty Care, Hallmar, and the Mercy Hospice Team. Their hard work, dedication and support are very much appreciated.