John F. Stephen

Funeral Mass for John F. “Johnnie” Stephen, 90, of rural Madison, will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church, in Madison, NE. Reverend Gregory Carl will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post 5763, American Legion Post 35 and Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard. Resseguie Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Johnnie passed away at the Countryside Home on Sunday, November 10, 2019.

Johnnie was born on May 31, 1929, the son of Fred and Mary (Ernst) Stephen. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Madison. He attended St. Leonard’s Catholic School and was a life member of St. Leonard’s Catholic Church.

He graduated from Madison High School and was employed by the State Game Commission prior to entering the US Army, where he was a combat veteran in the Korean War. After returning home, he was Superintendent of the Sacramento Game Farm near Wilcox. For a number of years, he farmed and was also a substitute mail carrier. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post and has been a life member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars. In 1985, he was appointed Madison County Commissioner of District 1.

Johnny is survived by his nieces and nephews: Kathy (John) Berrick, of Lincoln, NE, Steve (Tess) Bichlmeier, Elgin, IL, Karen (John) Botbyl, Lawrence, KS, Karol (Jim) Dickson, Ames, IA, Jeff Bichlmeier, Madison, NE, David (Tammy) Bichlmeier, Monroe, NE, Kristi (Dean) Dederman, Norfolk, NE, and Kim (Greg) Coffey, Lincoln, NE; 25 great nieces and nephews; 8 great-great nieces and  nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters: Mary Jo Stephen and Trudy Bichlmeier.

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