John ‘Jack’ R. Stephenson

Jack was born on September 24, 1935, in Duluth, Minnesota to Robert W. and Thelma M. (Graven) Stephenson. The family moved to Marquette in 1939 shortly after his father opened Marquette Auto Parts. He grew up in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School where he served as class president. He attended the University of Michigan Business School and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. While at the University of Michigan he met Elizabeth “Tish”ù Lyttle (Scarsdale, NY), whom he married in 1958. Upon graduation in 1957, Jack returned home to take over the family business, which he ran until his retirement in 1990. His business was expanded by the addition of a BMW Motorcycle Dealership in the 1970’s. He will be remembered for his excellent salesmanship and business skills. Jack served as an Ordnance Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve 312th Engineer Supply Point Company located in Escanaba and reached the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge. Throughout his life Jack was active in the Marquette business community. He served on the Marquette General Hospital Financial Advisory Board for many years and was a member of the Marquette Ambassadors and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifelong Freemason, belonged to many Masonic Bodies and was a Past Potentate of the Ahmed Temple. He was also a long-term member of the Fraternal Order of Elks.

Surviving Jack are his three children: Bruce (Sharon) Stephenson of Gladstone, MI, Nancy (Brad) Byrne of Ewen, MI, and John (Christine) Stephenson of Rapid River, MI; his grandchildren: Jack, Katie, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Stacy Stephenson, Nicholas (Samantha), Garrett (Allison), and Kelsey Byrne, and his great grandson Blaze Byrne.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Elizabeth “Tish” (2012), his parents, and his aunt Patricia (Byron) Anderson.

The family would like to convey gratitude to the Veterans Administration, Marquette Home Health, Arcadia and all the individuals who provided health care assistance to our father over recent years.

Per Jack’s request there will be no services at this time. A private family ceremony will be conducted at the Park Cemetery.

He will be truly missed by many, but we can take comfort in knowing that he did not suffer and as Jack, himself, said many times, “his troubles are over.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Arcadia Home Care and Staffing, 2292 US Highway 41 West, Ste 6, Marquette, MI 49855 or UP Diabetes Outreach Network, 1025 Commerce Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneral home.com