Lee Stephens, 79, of Stanton, ND died Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND. Services will be held at 11:00 AM CST on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Stanton with Rev. Marv Mutzenberger officiating. Burial will follow at Stanton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM CST on Monday, January 1, 2018 at Barbot Funeral Home, Hazen.

Lee was born on July 15, 1938 in Beulah, ND to Wilbur and Freda (Tuber) Stephens. He was raised and educated near Stanton. On March 15, 1957, Lee married Jeannette Smith in Mandan, ND. In 1962, Lee entered the United States Army and served until 1964 when he went into the Army Reserves until 1968. The couple moved to Stanton after Lee’s time in the service. He worked as a long boom operator for the Operating Engineers Local #49 for many years. He was among the best at operating large cranes at 300 to 500 feet and could put the material within an inch of the connector’s hand.

Lee enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors and stationary engines, farming, raising cattle, hunting and fishing. He loved to water ski and could still ski off the dock well into his 50s. Lee was a pilot and thoroughly enjoyed flying his Super Cub.

            He is survived by his children, Rusty (Robyn) Stephens of Bondurant, IA, Cay (Gordy) Guthmiller of Beulah, and Penny (Chris) Roosen of Glenwood City, WI; eight grandchildren, Tanner Stephens, Taylor Stephens, Traves (Darcy) Guthmiller, Logan Guthmiller, Leighton Guthmiller, Levi (Karmen) Guthmiller, Katie (Mike) McCalpin and Kellie (Lucas) Dahl; eight great-grandchildren, Madison, Kaylee, Aubry, Emberlie, Dylan, Jack, Eli and Scarlett; one sister, Lylota Stephens-Leeper of Bismarck; one brother, Leland (Donna) Stephens of Albany, OR; one “special” son, Wayne “Pooh Bear” (Kim) Windhorst of Stanton; and many nieces and nephews.

            Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette, who passed away on July 29, 2003; his parents, Wilbur and Freda; five sons; one infant sister; and his parents-in-law, Clifford and Gayle Smith.

            “Grab the cooler Mom, we’re going for a drive.”

            Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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