09/17/2017
Arthur Grant Stevenson, 94, of Burlington, passed away peacefully at 8:17 PM Sunday, September 17, 2017, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, after living a long, happy and hardworking life including living gracefully with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) the last couple years of his life.
Born September 7, 1923, on the family farm in Knoxville, IA, he was the son of Robert Lloyd and Helen Finarty Stevenson. On November 15, 1952, he married Loretta Margaret Abel in Dodgeville, IA.
He was a 1940 graduate of Knoxville High School.
Grant was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the 441st Counter Intelligence Corps in Japan, during World War II. He received the Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Corps Medal, and was selected for the Counter Intelligence Unit.
After leaving the military service, Grant worked with the Des Moines County Extension Office. He used his very strong work ethic, agricultural background and entrepreneurial spirit and started Tri-State Fertilizer Company which he eventually sold. He then founded Burlington River Terminal where he served as President until he retired and sold this business.
Grant was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish. He served on many boards and volunteer committees over the years including: past director of First National Bank, the Levee District, Kiwanis, the Burlington Golf Club, church advisory boards and more.
Upon retirement, Grant pursued his passion of going to his farm (Big Creek Ranch) on a daily basis. He loved running the bulldozer, building ponds and working the land. He was always a very forward-thinking businessman who enjoyed sharing his ideas & talents with his family members and supporting other younger business start-ups—always with great wit and a keen, practical intelligence.
He worked two years on renovating antique vehicles to participate in the Great American Race. He was an avid Hawkeye and Chicago Bears fan. Grant and Loretta enjoyed spending winters in Scottsdale, AZ for many years. Grant always looked forward to spending time with his children and grand-children—especially at Big Creek Ranch.
Survivors include his dedicated and loving wife of almost 65 years, Loretta: five children, Cheryl (Chris) Lienau of Phoenix, AZ, Renee (Mike) McCarthy of Chandler, AZ, Robert Stevenson of Burlington, Thomas Stevenson of Iowa City, and Gina (Tom) Ryan of Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren; Alison Lienau, Jessica (John) Beckwith, Meghan McCarthy, Alec McCarthy and two great-grandchildren; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Lloyd, Worth, Lee and Gene.
The family will receive friends from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Stevenson will be 9:30 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church with Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the church fellowship hall following burial.