Corwin Vernon Stephan
Corwin Stephan February 19, 1937-June 26, 2025 Corwin Vernon Stephan passed away June 26, 2025, in Bigfork, Montana. He was born February 19, 1937, to Vernon and Norma Stephan in Storm Lake, Iowa. Anyone who knew Corwin would tell you he was one of the hardest working men they ever met. His work ethic was formed early as part of an energetic and industrious family. As a child, Corwin spent many hours on the Sulphur Springs farm of his grandparents, and he and his younger brother, Curt, recalled long hours of weeding and picking vegetables for canning in the family's huge backyard garden. The high-spirited brothers also remembered many lighthearted times, with plenty of practical jokes. Growing up, Corwin delivered papers,...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
d in high school he started working an early morning milk delivery route for Belt's Dairy. Well before he graduated from Buena Vista High School, he was able to afford his first car, which began a lifelong love of automobiles. The envy of all his buddies and admired by the young women, he often was requested by friends to give them rides on Friday night "spins" through downtown Storm Lake and to dances and other social events. After graduation, Corwin married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Carlson, whose life was ended at a young age by cancer. Corwin worked full time for Merrill Manufacturing in Storm Lake, while continuing an early morning milk route and working as a volunteer fireman. Corwin met Kay Summerville at a dance at Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake. Married in 1961, they were a good match. Both had strong work ethics, practical natures, and fun-loving spirits. Both were excellent dancers, and the two enjoyed evenings out dancing for many years. Their jitterbug was a thing to behold! In 1964 they moved with their young family to Ames, where Corwin held several jobs at a time, including working as a fire fighter for the Ames Fire Department. Corwin and Kay started C&K Heating and Cooling April 1, 1968, and 57 years later the business is still going strong. Corwin worked long hours to support his family, both at C&K business and at home, where he often handled construction and remodeling projects himself. He was active in the business community, Ames Home Builders Association, and Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. He was a member of Arcadia Lodge #249 A.F.&A.M. of Ames and ROJ 46. He also was a founding member of West Story Volunteer Fire Department. Over the years, Corwin built a collection of classic cars, starting with a Model T, a Studebaker, a 1957 Buick, and several other convertibles, and he and Kay enjoyed participating in a number of Motor-Ioway vintage vehicle tours across Iowa, as well as other travel adventures. They also enjoyed ISU athletics and tailgating. Corwin could be tough, but he had a soft heart, and he and Kay were kind, generous, and well loved by family and friends, from Iowa to Arizona and Montana. The outgoing couple knew how to have a good time and made sure all those around them did too. Corwin always gave his best and expected the same from others. Corwin is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Susan Holloway (Dave); son Steve Stephan (Sonja); four grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Curt Stephan. A gathering of friends and family visitation will be 4-6:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, with a 6:00 p.m. Masonic Service, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Buena Vista Memorial Gardens, Storm Lake, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital. https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/273578/#!/donation/checkout Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
