"Rick, Scott, Brett and Jennifer, You have our deepest sympathy. Growing up our families spent so much time together we became one big family. We will miss your Dad, as we have missed your mother. Always, Ron,Chris,Sandy and Susan Caviani"
In loving memory of
ROBERT ADOLPH STEPHENSON
August 14, 1931 - January 24, 2009
Dr. Robert (Bobby) Stephenson, 77, of Marquette died Saturday morning, January 24, 2009, at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming. He was born August 14, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, the son of the late T.L. Stephenson and Elfrieda (Lambrecht) Stephenson.
Robert grew up in Floresville, Texas, graduating from Floresville High in 1948. In 1952 Robert received his Bachelor teaching degree from Southwest Texas State Teaching College. In 1956 he was awarded his Masters Degree in Music from Texas State University in San Marcos. After graduating from Texas State he taught high school band at Dilley and Charlotte Texas.
On June 21, 1957, Robert married Henrietta Ann Menke in Charlotte, Texas. Shortly thereafter the couple moved to Abilene, Texas, where Robert accepted a position at Hardin-Simmons College teaching Band and Music Theory. In 1960 they moved to Bloomington, Indiana where Robert received his Doctorate in Music at Indiana University.
In 1962 Robert and Ann moved the family to Beloit, Wisconsin where Robert taught music at Beloit College for two years, covering for a music professor on sabbatical. In 1964 the couple arrived in Marquette, where Robert accepted a teaching position in the music department at Northern Michigan University, where he taught music for 33 years, retiring in 1997.
During his time in Marquette, he grew to love the beauty of the area. He became a great fan of the Green Bay Packers, even in their losing seasons. Robert was very active in the Marquette area music community. For many years Robert was Marquette City Band Director, member of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra as well as the Marquette Choral Society, and choir director at the First United Methodist Church in Marquette.
In addition to teaching at Northern, Robert taught private music lessons, primarily on trombone. He also spent many years traveling the state of Michigan as a music adjudicator for middle and high school band music competitions. In later years Robert and Ann found much joy in annual reunions with some of his high school friends from Floresville Texas. This group of friends would meet at a different location around the country every year, even making their way to Marquette one year.
Robert is survived by his four children all whom he instilled a great love and appreciation of all kinds of music. His children include the following: Richard (Susan York) Stephenson of Ann Arbor, MI, Scott (Michele) Stephenson of Marquette, Brett (Julia) Stephenson of Oshkosh, WI and Jennifer (Matt) DuBreuil of Marquette; also three grandchildren, Carly, Jordann and Audrey Stephenson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Stephenson on February 26, 2008.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 111 East Ridge Street Marquette, with the Rev. Ben Bohnsack officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Marquette Symphony Orchestra in Dr. Stephenson's memory.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was truly a great musician and a great man. I enjoyed the years I sang under his direction at First Church. My prayers are with you all."
"Condolences to the Stephenson family."
"The Marquette Symphony will never forget your father's contribution and participation to our organization as Board Member and performer. We plan to recognize that at our performance February 14. I hope you can attend. Dan Arnold President, Marquette Symphony Orchestra"
"I was lucky enough to work with your father at the Marquette Symphony. He was so dedicated to the orchestra and such a sweet man to work with. He will be missed."
"Dear Stephenson Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. With love and sympathy,"
"We are very sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of Bob as a valued colleague at NMU."
"I was Dr. Stephenson's last trombone student at NMU in 1997. He told me once that he stayed on an extra year to see me through to my senior recital. His teaching inspires me each and everyday as a band director and a trombonist. I'm just sorry he didn't get to hear one of my bands perform. Well, now he can hear every concert from heaven. We have a concert tonight, and it's performed in his memory."
"I was very sorry to hear of Dr. Stephenson's death. He was a wonderful professor, and very much an inspiration to me as an educator. What a great man!"
"Dear Stephenson Family, You are in my thoughts & prayers at this time of loss. Dr. Stephenson was my trombone teacher at NMU 1972-75 and taught me a lot about music and life. We spent time together at a 1996 NMU Homecoming and became close pen pals after that. Many thanks to Alan Oien for keeping so many of us posted about his well being until the Lord called him home. With love and sympathy, bugs Beddow"
"To Dr. Stephenson's family, It was my privilege to have Dr. Stephenson as my trombone professor, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Pit Orchestra (Damn Yankees) Director, mentor and friend at NMU from 1981-1985. My heart sinks to think that I won't be able to be in Marquette Saturday, as the jazz band I direct will be at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Jazz Festival. However, having the opportunity to take these kids there wouldn't even have been possible without the years of faithful instruction and encouragement I received from "Dr. Bob" as he was often and affectionately referred to as. Over the years it was my great joy to have several of my bands perform for him at MSBOA festivals, and then finally see things come full circle as I sat on a panel judging bands with Bob or playing along side him in the Superior String Alliance Festival Orchestra several summers. Dr. Stephenson, you are forever appreciated and will be deeply missed. Thanks for every life you touched."
"To the Stephenson Family; My prayers are with you during this time...Dr. Stephenson was my teacher, advisor, friend...rarely a day goes by where I don't use something he taught me. He is an "ICON" at Northern and his influence will be felt forever in the minds, hearts and souls of so many that were fortunate enough to know him and work with him. John Kumjian Director of Bands, Glen Lake Community Schools"
"To the Stephenson family, I remember Dr Stephenson fondly from my years at Northern. (1975 - 1980) He was a good person and wonderful educator. He will be missed by many."
"Dear Brett and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was quite a guy: "Well Ann, it's a hex nut, you see." Love and condolences, Dan"
"I called Bob "Robert." I knew him first as Ann's husband. I saw her as a patient. I used to see him at Mather. He was a nice man."
"I am sorry to hear of Dr. Stephenson's death. He was my Music Ed Professor also my supervising Crtic teacher. I will never forget his many kindnesses to me as well as his help in my Music Teaching career. I have missed seeing him around town these past few years..I was always amazed he remembered me...and we would visit for a bit and then move on. I truly appreciated him . You were Blessed as I am sure you know. Arlene Gordanier BME 1967"
"I studied trombone with Dr. Stephenson for many years. Even after I moved from Marquette, he kept in touch and supported me in my career. He was my first trombone teacher and a valued friend and mentor. I will miss seeing him when I come to Marquette and I extend my deepest sympathy at your loss."
"Dr. Stephenson was one of the two most influencial teachers in my life. Without his help I don't feel I would have enjoyed the long career in music as a high school band director. Please accept my sincere condolences. I was extremely fortunate to have your father as a role model while at Northern. Dick Stafford (1971)"
"Dear Jen, Scott, Brett & Matt, Sorry to hear about Bob's passing. We will never forget the fun times we had playing music with you and your dad. Remember the accordian, viola / whistle, guitar smack down? Your dad was always a smiling face and warm heart that made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Peace in our time. Jill & Dan Mahoney"
"Rick, I am sorry for your loss. Amy"