Earl P. Stephens

Earl P Stephens, age 93, of St. Edward, NE passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at Cloverlodge Care Center, St. Edward, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church in St. Edward, NE with Rev. Matt Gutowski officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery, St. Edward, NE. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Earl Parker Stephens, son of Ivan L. and Ethel (Yetter) Stephens, was born June 19, 1932, on the family farm in Nance County, Nebraska. He attended Nance County School District 15 and graduated from St. Edward High School in 1950.

While attending a local dance, Earl met the love of his life, Kathleen Mannlein. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1955, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, Nebraska. Together they made their home southwest of St. Edward, where they farmed and raised their family.  Earl really enjoyed raising and working with his cattle. In addition to farming, Earl hauled hay throughout the countryside. He especially loved harvest time and never said no to helping a neighbor.

In 1955, Earl was asked by his brother-in-law, Warren Miller, a local funeral director, to dig a grave. He began digging by hand and later with a backhoe, faithfully carrying out this work for more than 45 years.

Earl was a devoted member of St. Edward Catholic Church and served on the St. Edward Cemetery Board. He also contributed his time to the District 15 School Board and the Farmers Union Gas and Oil Board.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Kathleen of St. Edward, NE; their five children: Kay (Jack) Ramaekers of Omaha, NE; Sharon (Mike) Zoucha of Sutton, NE; Brad (Cindy) Stephens of St. Edward, NE; Todd (Teresa) Stephens of Greeley, CO; and Jody (Terry) Zahn of Columbus, NE; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Pfeifer of Madison, NE; Mary Dunlap of Albion, NE; Barb Miller of Eugene, OR; and Larry Mannlein of Prescott, AZ; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Kelsey Stephens; son-in-law Loel Condreay; an infant twin brother; four sisters and their husbands: Iola (Arnold) Mahoney, Roberta (Paul) Cahill, Jean (Warren) Miller, and Fern (Leland) Smith; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law from Kathleen's side of the family.