Myles 'Mike' Stevens

Myles J. ("Mike") Stevens, age 88, Manawa, WI passed away November 9, 2012, at the Manawa Community Nursing Center in the presence of his daughters. He was born in Manawa, WI on March 1, 1924, the son of the late Arthur and Lulu (Lamkins) Stevens. He graduated from Little Wolf High School, Manawa. After a tour with the U.S. Army, he went to Chicago with his buddies and trained as a welder. On Christmas 1942, he married Bette Starks and moved to Appleton. She preceded him in death October 20, 1966. Later, he married Dorothy (Olson) Phelps on January 16, 1970. She passed on before him March 27, 2005. Mike was proud owner of his grandfather's dairy farm in the Manawa area for many years. He also worked as a welder at the Farmway Company while farming. After selling the farm, he and Dorothy built a home on Rich Lake, Ogdensburg. He worked on trail levelers a S&W Sales. His "last" career was working as a USPS rural mail carrier until his retirement in 1981. Mike was an excellent welder and made any repairs for family and friends. Outside of work his loves included, swing music, his motorcycles and snowmobiling. He also loved conversation and had a knack for making friends everywhere he went. Mike was a quick-witted storyteller, and could make the most mundane happenings hilarious, Mike owned many chromed-up Harley-Davidson motorcycles (some he sold, some he crashed.) He enjoyed going for charity rides and touring many states with friends and the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.). His annual trips to Sturgis, SD, and the time he trucked his motorcycle to Daytona Bike Week, FL, in March made good memories. Mike also enjoyed traveling the countryside with his brother, Roger, to find the next deal on "gently used" machinery. They were even known to occasionally make a purchase. He leaves behind his two daughters: Pam (Patrick J.) O'Brien and Tara (Norman) Heise, both of Manawa. Grandchildren: Tara (Scott Kissane) O'Brien, Winchester, WI; Bette (Glenn) Casey and children, Cody and Brooke, New London, WI; Paula (John) Sturm and son, Carl, Waupaca and San Diego, CA; Joseph (Mary E.) O'Brien, and children, Cole, Cora and Gabriel, Brisbane, Australia; Matthew (Shannon) O'Brien and children, Myles and Morgan, New London, WI; Mark (Andrea) O'Brien, and children, Sage, Macy and Terry James, New London, WI; and Nick (Casey) Heise and children, Nolan and Lexi, Ogdensburg, WI. He is further survived by nieces Julie (Bob) Anderson, Appleton; Merri (Kevin) Lundquist, Carver, MN; Alison Brezina, Tama, IA; Heather (Tom) Delaney, Woodbury, MN; and nephews, Jeff (Ann) Stevens and Scott (Becky) Stevens, Ogdensburg, WI; sisters-in-law, Arwyn Poppe, Bear Creek, WI and Polly Kadolph, San Antonio, TX. Among his good and generous friends are Don and Sharon Riske, Don and Debbie ("Mother") Schuelke. Those passing on before him are his parents, wives, Bette and Dorothy; sister, Wilma (Roger) Amundson; brother, Roger (Carol) Stevens, sisters-in-law Katie Gresen, Bonnie Geske, Patsy Olson; brothers-in-law: Phil and Allie Olson: and father-in-law, Chris Olson. The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home, 176 N. Bridge St., Manawa. Friends may call from 3:00 until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Little Wolf Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at St. Joe's/Chatham Apartments, New London, long-time family physician, Dr. Patti Kile and the compassionate staff at Manawa Community Nursing Center for the loving care given to Mike. Please, in lieu of flowers, donations will be given to the Manawa Community Nursing Center. In celebration of Mike's 88 years of life, please wear your Harley-Davidson gear to the visitation and funeral and remember all the good times you have shared.