David R. Stephenson

David R. Stephenson was born on August 13, 1930, beginning a remarkable life that would span nearly a century and touch countless hearts across multiple generations. From his birth during the onset of the Great Depression to his passing in 2026, David embodied the values of integrity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family that would define his character throughout his 95 years of life.

David found his life's greatest joy in his marriage to Carolyn, a partnership that became the cornerstone of his existence. Together, they built a loving family centered on shared values and mutual devotion. The couple welcomed four children into their lives: daughters Karen and Diane, son Robert, and an infant son named Brian who tragically passed away in early childhood. The loss of Brian remained a profound part of David's story, and his memory was carried lovingly throughout David's long life.

As a father, David was described as exemplary, bringing warmth, guidance, and steadfast support to his children. Karen married Jan Cywinski, and their union blessed David with grandchildren Jason Cywinski and Laura, who later married Eric Olson. Diane married Jack Bong, who passed away in 2019, and their daughter Sabrina married Rob Bartels, adding another branch to David's growing family tree. Robert completed the trio of David's surviving children, though the records reveal less about his specific family circumstances.

David's role as grandfather brought him immense pride and joy. His grandchildren Jason, Laura, and Sabrina knew him as a fun-loving, encouraging presence who delighted in their achievements and growth. His longevity allowed him to witness the expansion of his family into great-grandchildren, making him a cherished patriarch across multiple generations.

Those who knew David consistently described him as a man of deep morals, strong faith, and unwavering integrity. His character was built on a foundation of honesty, fierce loyalty, and genuine compassion for others. Friends and family members recall his wonderful sense of humor and kind-hearted personality, qualities that made him "the best friend you could have" and "a cheerful neighbor".

In times of crisis, David served as the family's anchor, maintaining calm and level-headed perspective when others around him faced difficulties. His capacity for forgiveness and his patient nature made him an example of goodness that influenced everyone in his circle. These qualities weren't merely theoretical virtues but practical expressions of his daily interactions with family, friends, and community members.

David's life philosophy centered on valuing people over possessions, a principle that guided his decisions and shaped his relationships. This dedication to human connection over material accumulation created a legacy of love and loyalty that extended far beyond his immediate family. He was remembered as a dedicated son, caring brother, and favorite son-in-law, demonstrating his ability to maintain positive relationships across all family roles.

The New Berlin, Wisconsin community became David's long-term home, where he established deep roots and lasting friendships. His presence in the community was marked by the same warmth and genuine interest in others that characterized all his relationships. Neighbors and friends knew they could count on David's cheerful disposition and helpful nature.

David's faith provided a cornerstone of strength throughout his life, offering guidance during both joyful celebrations and difficult challenges. His spiritual convictions informed his moral character and his approach to relationships, creating a consistency of purpose that others found both inspiring and comforting.

The final chapter of David's life was marked by profound loss when his beloved wife Carolyn passed away on November 14, 2025. Their decades-long partnership had been characterized by deep love and mutual devotion, making Carolyn's death a devastating blow. David's own passing just four months later, on March 19, 2026, reflected the depth of their connection and his grief at losing his life companion.

In a touching coincidence that spoke to the interconnectedness of their family, David's son-in-law Jan Cywinski passed away on March 23, 2026, just four days after David's death. This clustering of losses created additional grief for the family, particularly for Karen who lost both her father and husband within the span of a few days.

David R. Stephenson's memorial service was held at Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services in New Berlin, Wisconsin, where family and friends gathered to celebrate a life well-lived. The gathering provided an opportunity for the many people David had touched throughout his 95 years to share memories, offer condolences, and reflect on the positive influence he had exerted in their lives.

The legacy David leaves behind extends far beyond the impressive span of his years. His example of moral integrity, emotional stability, and consistent kindness created ripple effects that will continue to influence his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come. His family's tribute captured the essence of his impact: "How lucky we all were to have known you – a man of deep morals, strong faith, and integrity". In an era often characterized by division and self-interest, David R. Stephenson's life stands as a testament to the enduring power of character, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those we love.