Lee Stephens

A memorial mass for Lee Stephens will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Father Maurice Current as Celebrant.  A private family rosary will be held.

A private inurnment will be held prior to the mass, at the Stamford Cemetery, Stamford, Nebraska.

Lee Stephens passed away on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family at his home on the farm.  He was born June 13, 1951, in Orleans, NE, to Charles and Wilma (Dietz) Stephens. He grew up on his family's farm south of Stamford, NE, where he spent his time breaking and riding horses, trucking, and working on the farm. He attended country school at Rural District 4 and graduated from Stamford High School with the Class of 1969. Following graduation, he attended Milford Technical School, graduating in 1971 with an associate's degree in Auto Mechanics.

Lee was baptized and confirmed at the Newman Center in Kearney in 1972.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Raylene Williams, on August 18, 1972.  They made their home in Kearney while Raylene finished college.  They moved back to the Stamford area, and in 1975 settled southwest of Stamford on the farm of Raylene's parents, eventually taking over that operation as well as that of Lee's parents.

Lee and Raylene were blessed with two children:  Chad and Amy.  Lee spent his life farming with Raylene. In order to support the farm, Lee went back to trucking for several years. He hired on with J&S Trucking out of Prairie View, KS, and owned and operated his own semi truck and flatbed trailer.  He enjoyed his years on the road and always had a story to tell about bad drivers or the best truck stop food. He always made time for his family and the farm. He tolerated Raylene's pumpkin patch and parked the truck to help with busy times at home.

In 2008, Lee retired from trucking and purchased Stamford Service, where he worked as a mechanic, sold gas and feed, and provided a gathering place for the locals.

Lee lived nearly all of his life in Harlan County and was devoted to the Stamford community. He served on the Stamford Rural Fire Board and was a member of the Stamford Chamber.  Lee loved his family.  He took great pride in his children and worked hard to provide them with a good life.  He spent countless hours sharing his love of horses with his kids, always making sure there were enough horses to go on family rides, as well as helping them participate in horse 4-H.  He was always there with a helping hand, no matter what the circumstances.  When grandchildren and a great-granddaughter came along, his pride grew. He supported and encouraged them in whatever they were up to.  He joked and played with them, and gave them tractor, truck and combine rides. He took up fishing in his later years, sharing this hobby with his grandchildren as well.  Lee enjoyed guns and target shooting in the pasture with family.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred Stephens, brother-in-law James Foster, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Charlene (Williams) Fischbach, father-in-law and mother-in-law Leland and Viola Williams.

Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife of 53 years, Raylene Stephens.  Son Chad (Lana) Stephens, daughter Amy (Anthony) Russell, grandchildren: Coltin, Taylor, Lucas, Brianna, Joshua, Samuel, and Kaden.  Great-Granddaughter Rilynn. Sister Susan Foster, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Margaret Mary Barnes, nephews Justin (Jenny) Foster and Bryan (Carrie) Barnes, 5 great-nephews, 5 great-great nieces, and a long list of friends and neighbors, including the coffee crowd in Stamford and Orleans.

There will not be a visitation, viewing, or memorial book signing the evening prior to the mass. The family has honored Lee's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Lee's honor, and kindly suggested to:  Stamford Fire and Rescue or to St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.