Carlen Stevens, age 96, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at Bell Tower Residence under the care of Interim Healthcare Hospice & Palliative. He was born March 27, 1918 in Elm City, Wisconsin to the late Peter and Bertha Schank. He and Venita Jirovec were united in marriage on April 14, 1941 in Merrill.
Carlen attended school in the town of Harding. He served in the United States Army, 106th Infantry, in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany and France. This spring Carlen was able to go on the Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Carlen owned Stevens Oil Company for many years. He later sold tractors for Ford and other implement dealers.  After his retirement, Carlen spent much of his time at his cottage on Kaubashine Lake in Hazelhurst, WI. Hunting and fishing were his enjoyment and he made several trips to Canada fishing with his buddies. Carlen liked to play Sheephead so much, in fact, that he was a member of a card club for 56 years! He was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ where he was a member of the council and the ushers club. Carlen had been a member of the Virginia Falls Lodge and was a Shriner for many years.
Survivors include his wife: Venita Stevens, of Merrill; three daughters: Nancy (Allen) Lohrbach, Cameron Park, CA, Carol Schwartz, Merrill, and Julie Shank, Green Bay, WI; three granddaughters: Carla (Andy) Lefeber, WI, Kelly (Jeff) Stebbeds, Eagle River, and Katie Jarek, Spain; one grandson: Richard (Rebecca) Jarek, Wyoming, MN; three great grandchildren: Madison Elizabeth Stebbeds, Wyatt Stebbeds and Kelsey Jarek. Carlen was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters, Anna, Rudy, Emily & John.
A Memorial Service for Carlen will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Holy Cross Chapel, Bell Tower.  Rev. John Eldred will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service at Bell Tower. In lieu of flowers and monetary donations the family wishes memorials be directed to the Children’s Shriners Hospital ( 1-800-241-GIFT ) or St. Stephen’s UCC. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.