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Robert Brett Stephens

September 27, 1971 - August 12, 2010

Robert “Brett” Stephens, born September 27, 1971 in Muskogee, OK, died unexpectedly on August 12, 2010 at his home in New Lisbon, WI. He proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the National Guard since 1993; Brett deployed overseas on four tours including Bosnia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Brett loved his country, his duty, and his family. He was a good soldier and buddy to those who served with him. Many called him “MacGyver” due to his abundance of resources and tools to fix anything. He always looked forward to coming home and spending time with his family and friends and taking his Mustang for a drive. His family and friends knew him as the “Cheesecake Champion” due to his excellent culinary skills, his specialty being chocolate cheesecakes. Brett also enjoyed trapshooting, architecture, and reading. Brett attended Beaver Dam High School and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1990.

He is survived by his parents Robert K. (Mary) Stephens in Burnett, WI and Julia A. (Richard) Paalman in Appleton, WI. Other survivors include his stepsisters Melissa Haessly, Desiree (Al) Eckstein, Sally (Scotty) Durant, and Duana Winans, and girlfriend Rob Kratoska; grandparents Edward and Phyllis Gentzen and Helen Luttenberger; aunts and uncles Jill (Bob) Kenyon, Jack (Elizabeth) Gentzen, Jane (Arin) McCully, Walter (Diane) Luttenberger, Donna (Ed) Kolterman, Gloria (Mike) Schmidt and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Brett was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Wiley K. and Joy L. Stephens, Walter Luttenberger, Anna I. Paalman, uncle Richard Stephens and aunt Lynne Urquhart.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made to C.Y.E. (Catholic Youth Expeditions) c/o St. Pius X, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton, WI 54911 or to Sacred Heart Debt Retirement Fund c/o Sacred Heart Church, 950 Washington St. P.O. Box 27, Horicon, WI 53032.

A funeral mass for Brett will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Horicon, WI with Fr. Mike Petrie of Sacred Heart, Fr. Charles Scheuerell Ret. Of St. Patrick”s in Beaver Dam, WI and Fr. Tom Farrell of St. Pius X in Appleton, WI officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Mary”s Cemetery, Appleton, WI on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 10 am.

The Murray Funeral Home, 716 Clinton Street in Horicon, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Service Details

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010, 6:00pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Interment Details

St. Mary’s Cemetery-Appleton, WI

Events
There are no events scheduled.

Robert “Brett” Stephens, born September 27, 1971 in Muskogee, OK, died unexpectedly on August 12, 2010 at his home in New Lisbon, WI. He proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the National Guard since 1993; Brett deployed overseas on four tours including Bosnia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Brett loved his country,Continue Reading

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Bonnie Schulz left a message on April 29, 2012:
Our sympathy to your family from HELP AT HOME LLC. May God give you strength in your time of sorrow and may it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you.
Brian Vorlob left a message on April 29, 2012:
Denise and I are very sorry for your
loss.
Dan and Carleen Vande Zande left a message on April 29, 2012:
Our heartfelt sympathy at the passing of this noble man.
Sandi Kohrt left a message on April 29, 2012:
Larry and I wish to extend our sympathy to your family for your loss.
Mary Ann Sternat left a message on April 29, 2012:
Prayers are with your whole family at this time. He is at rest now.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Angela Burgess left a message on August 24, 2010:
To all the family and friends of Brett-My heart cries with you as we morn his death here in Stillwater Oklahoma. May God bring comfort to you all. God Bless, Angela Burgess stillwater oklahoma
Angela Burgess left a message on August 24, 2010:
To all the family and friends of Brett-My heart cries with you as we morn his death here in Stillwater Oklahoma. May God bring comfort to you all. God Bless, Angela Burgess stillwater oklahoma
Gloria left a message on August 21, 2010:
Although I''ve been through the initial shock of the news of your passing, the funeral service, and the burial, there is a disbelief that lingers in my mind and in my hearts. It will be there for a long time, quite possibly forever. My deepest regret is that I didn''t get to know all the facets of you as a person. The pictures I''ve now seen and the other condolences I''ve read have provided glimpses into your other friendships and your service to our country and illustrate what a truly wonderful and caring person you were. My heart aches for one more hug and the sound of your robust voice. May God''s peace be with you!
Gloria left a message on August 21, 2010:
Although I''ve been through the initial shock of the news of your passing, the funeral service, and the burial, there is a disbelief that lingers in my mind and in my hearts. It will be there for a long time, quite possibly forever. My deepest regret is that I didn''t get to know all the facets of you as a person. The pictures I''ve now seen and the other condolences I''ve read have provided glimpses into your other friendships and your service to our country and illustrate what a truly wonderful and caring person you were. My heart aches for one more hug and the sound of your robust voice. May God''s peace be with you!
Michael Winans left a message on August 20, 2010:
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. I am deeply saddened, the world has lost a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Michael
Michael Winans left a message on August 20, 2010:
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. I am deeply saddened, the world has lost a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Michael
Mike and Kaye Davenport left a message on August 18, 2010:
King David dressed in sack-cloth and poured ashes on his head and did not eat or drink coming before God for the sake of his child. But the child died and David put off his sack cloth and washed then asked for food. When his servants wondered at his behavior at the death of his child, he said, "My child is in the arms of God. I cannot bring him back to me, but I will go to him someday." So it is with Brett. You can go to him someday and live with him eternally. May God comfort you and give you strength as you make this journey in grief. We love you very much, Mike and Kaye Davenport
Jake Paulson left a message on August 18, 2010:
I always respected the leader SSG Stephens was. He never complained and always led his troops with his great character. It was a pleasure to serve with him. I am sad to hear the world has lost a great man.
Mark Tomashek left a message on August 18, 2010:
Steve, Mary and Family Sorry to hear of your loss of Brett. I hope all of you are well. Thinking about you in your time of sorrow. Mark
BUD & JEAN HAUSER left a message on August 18, 2010:
DEAR STEVE & MARY, WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND SEND OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. JOY & MICHAEL DO ALSO. WE WILL BE IN TOUCH AFTER WE RETURN TO WISCONSIN AND HOPE WE CAN GET TOGETHER SOON. WE HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY AND HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TIME WITH BRETT. HE WAS A FINE MAN AND WE THANK HIM FOR HIS TIME WITH US AND FOR US. WE WILL MISS HIM. LOVE, JEAN & BUD
CPT Jared Nagel left a message on August 18, 2010:
My heartfelt condolences to Robert''s family and friends. I knew him best as SSG Stephens, a dedicated and caring Soldier. I had the honor and privilege of serving with SSG Stephen in OIF 2005. He will be greatly missed by myself and all those who served with him over the years.
Scace Family left a message on August 18, 2010:
My husband SSG Darrell Scace had the privilege of working with Brett during their deployment to Iraq. He will be remembered as a hard working dedicated soldier and a good friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies-he will be truly missed.
Shawn Gubine left a message on August 18, 2010:
Brett was one of my best friends for 20 years. Every time I saw him, it brought light to the day I was having. Countless hours him and I spend talking, remembering and speaking to the future, all with a spark in his eye. I cannot find the words to say how sorry I am for his loss to his family and our friends. Remember him and be happy for the time you did have with him. ~Shawn
Mike and Kaye Davenport left a message on August 18, 2010:
King David dressed in sack-cloth and poured ashes on his head and did not eat or drink coming before God for the sake of his child. But the child died and David put off his sack cloth and washed then asked for food. When his servants wondered at his behavior at the death of his child, he said, "My child is in the arms of God. I cannot bring him back to me, but I will go to him someday." So it is with Brett. You can go to him someday and live with him eternally. May God comfort you and give you strength as you make this journey in grief. We love you very much, Mike and Kaye Davenport
Jake Paulson left a message on August 18, 2010:
I always respected the leader SSG Stephens was. He never complained and always led his troops with his great character. It was a pleasure to serve with him. I am sad to hear the world has lost a great man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mark Tomashek left a message on August 18, 2010:
Steve, Mary and Family Sorry to hear of your loss of Brett. I hope all of you are well. Thinking about you in your time of sorrow. Mark
BUD & JEAN HAUSER left a message on August 18, 2010:
DEAR STEVE & MARY, WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND SEND OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. JOY & MICHAEL DO ALSO. WE WILL BE IN TOUCH AFTER WE RETURN TO WISCONSIN AND HOPE WE CAN GET TOGETHER SOON. WE HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY AND HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TIME WITH BRETT. HE WAS A FINE MAN AND WE THANK HIM FOR HIS TIME WITH US AND FOR US. WE WILL MISS HIM. LOVE, JEAN & BUD
CPT Jared Nagel left a message on August 18, 2010:
My heartfelt condolences to Robert''s family and friends. I knew him best as SSG Stephens, a dedicated and caring Soldier. I had the honor and privilege of serving with SSG Stephen in OIF 2005. He will be greatly missed by myself and all those who served with him over the years.
Scace Family left a message on August 18, 2010:
My husband SSG Darrell Scace had the privilege of working with Brett during their deployment to Iraq. He will be remembered as a hard working dedicated soldier and a good friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies-he will be truly missed.
Shawn Gubine left a message on August 18, 2010:
Brett was one of my best friends for 20 years. Every time I saw him, it brought light to the day I was having. Countless hours him and I spend talking, remembering and speaking to the future, all with a spark in his eye. I cannot find the words to say how sorry I am for his loss to his family and our friends. Remember him and be happy for the time you did have with him. ~Shawn
Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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