Paul Stevens

Paul L. Stevens

Paul L. Stevens, 86, of Mankato, died Sunday, July 8, 2007 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 12, 2007 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday (Today), at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 3:45 p.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lakefield, MN, with military honors.

Paul was born on July 30, 1920 to Ulie and Nell (Malia) Stevens in Fountain, MN. He attended Preston High School and graduated in 1939. That same year he joined the US. Marine Corps and served 6 years in the South Pacific during WW II. Upon completion of his service he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. In 1946 he married Mercedes Hartwig of Lakefield, MN. In 1956 Rita Stevens Root was born to Paul and Mercedes Stevens. Paul worked for Mankato Citizen's Telephone Company (Hickory Tech) from 1963 to 1993. He served as President and later Chairman of the Board for two decades before retiring. He was an active member in the civic community. His contributions include, but are not limited to his involvement with Community Partners for Progress, Minnesota State University Mankato, School Sisters of Notre Dame, and the United Way. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Mankato Chamber of Commerce, ISJ Foundation, and South Central Foundation. Paul was dedicated to serving his community, and his contributions to the city of Mankato were vast and extensive. Paul was also an active member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include his granddaughters: Leah and Leslie Root; son-in-law Terry Root; and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Mercedes; daughter, Rita; sister, Marie Ward; brother, Lyman Stevens; brother-in-law, Max Ward; sister-in-law Lela Stevens.