Edna Stevens

Edna Laura Pearson, daughter of John and Laura (Holte) Pearson, was born two miles east of Gonvick , Minnesota on the farm her father homesteaded. Her future father-in-law delivered her and told his son “I saw her first”. At the age of five Edna’s dad died. Edna grew up on the farm and graduated from Gonvick High School in 1939. She continued her education at Bemidji State University , where she was the first female president of the student council. She graduated in 1942, with a degree in English and Physical Education. On July 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to John H. Stevens. To this union five children were born. Following their marriage, they moved to Lincoln Nebraska , where John finished his military training and then moved to Orangeburg , South Carolina . After WWII, they moved back to Gonvick, where John owned the bus company and Edna drove school bus. While living in Gonvick, Edna was very active in the community and Samhold Lutheran Church . In the summer of 1962, they moved to Starbuck, where Edna taught English, Speech and Physical Education in Belgrade , Hancock, Cyrus and Brandon Schools . While teaching she directed school plays, coached speech and served as the cheerleading advisor. When Edna retired from teaching she then became the Pope County Senior Coordinator, which she greatly enjoyed doing. In May of 2004, she moved to the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, where she continued to live until the time of her death.

Edna was a member of Fron Lutheran Church , where she was active in bible study and the women’s circle. She was one of the founders of the Starbuck Study Club. Edna enjoyed reading, playing board games, gardening, listening to music and baking. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2009, Edna died peacefully in her sleep from complications from Alzheimer’s, at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She lived to reach the age of 90 years.

She is survived by five children: John (JoAnne) Stevens of Austin, TX, Robert (Denise) Stevens of San Diego, CA, Susan (Gregg) Downing of St. Paul, Edna (John) South of Punta Gorda, FL and Fred (Susan) Stevens of Starbuck; seven grandchildren: John H. Stevens of Austin, TX, Jeff (Kim) Stevens of Austin, TX, Jason Stevens of Austin, TX, Laura Downing of St. Paul, Joseph Downing of St. Paul, William Stevens of San Diego, CA and Mary South of Brooklyn, NY and one great-granddaughter: Pressley Stevens. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Claude, John and Robert Pearson and one sister: Ann Pearson.

Marsha Gronewold will serve as pianist for the service. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.