George Leslie Stevens

George Leslie Stevens, 92, of Newton died on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Park Centre. The family will greet friends from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2021, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church may be left at the funeral home.

George, the son of Charles and Helen (Ahrens) Stevens, was born on March 10, 1928 in Newburg. He grew up in Newburg and graduated from Newburg High School in 1945.  He later attended Iowa State University and Drake University.  On December 31, 1945, George was united in marriage with Esther Tiedemann in Grinnell. They made their home in Grinnell and Melbourne, where George farmed, before moving to Newton in June of 1955. George began working at the Maytag Company while he was still farming.  He began as a Journeyman Apprentice in the Maintenance Department and later retired as the Maintenance Supervisor on December 31, 1989. During that time he and Esther also owned Henry’s Drive-In in Newton. 

George was a charter member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He also was a member of the Maytag Management Club and the Moose Lodge.  He enjoyed golfing; sports, having played semi-pro baseball; and growing and sharing his tomatoes.

George is survived by his children, Susanne (Gary) Berkland of Belmond and Kristine (Rick) Burch of Shawnee, Kansas; grandchildren, Kariin Berkland, Mara Berkland (Dave Dyson), and Daniel Burch; his great-grandchildren, Klaudia and Isak Pepin and Sadie DeMaioribus (Bastiaan Fehrman).  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Esther in 2016; twin daughters, Jean and Jane on December 9, 1954; and his brother Charles Stevens.  

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