Dr. John D. Stephan, 78
Dr. John D. Stephan, 78, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2005, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 25, 1926, the son of Lewis B. and Dorothy (Fuller) Stephan.
He attended schools in Ohio and attended junior high in Helena and graduated from Hellgate High School in Missoula. He moved with his family back to Ohio and he attended and graduated from Oberlin College.
He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a pilot and also was trained as a photographer, a hobby that he enjoyed throughout his life. He later received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Ohio State University and later attended medical school and received his medical degree in ophthalmology.
After his internship and many years in practice in Ohio, he relocated to the Flathead Valley where he began his medical practice in 1972. Many will remember him as an FAA Airman Medical Examiner who administered FAA flight physicals to area pilots.
He loved to fly and was a private pilot who owned and flew his pride and joy, a Beechcraft Bonanza. His love of flying also was passed on to his three children. He attended the Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell. He was also a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club, and was an enthusiastic participant of the Civil War Round Table.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert E. Stephan.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Stephan, of Kalispell; daughter, Peggy Jean Duggan, of Tacoma, Wash.; son, John William Stephan, of Capron, Ill.; and daughter, Sarah Stephan, of Capron; brother, Ted Stephan of Wilmette, Ill.; and sisters, Mary Ann Williams of Otto, N.C., and Suzanne Carpenter of Cincinnati, Ohio; and nephew/son, Michael Stephan of Livermore, Calif.; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for John Stephan will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell with The Rev. William Baumgarten officiating. Visitation will be today from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Kalispell Lions Club, P.O. Box 905, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for John'd5s family.