Ross K. Stephenson, 88, passed away Tuesday in his home on Eagle Lake surrounded by his family.
Ross graduated from Riley High School and Eastern Illinois University, where he played football. He was a combat solider in Patton’s 3rd Army in World War II and fought in the European Theater. He received the Bronze Star and six Battle Stars. In April 1925 he was battlefield commissioned from staff sergeant to second lieutenant.
He received his master’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1948. Ross began his coaching and teaching career at Bloom High in Chicago Heights, Ill. From there he served as football coach and athletic director at South Bend Central from 1947-1970. After Central was phased out he coached football at LaSalle High School from 1970-1972. He left LaSalle to become the physical education coordinator for the South Bend Community School Corp. He joined the football staff at Notre Dame with Dan Devine and stayed through 1987.
He received many awards including the Contributions to Football award from the National Football Foundation and the Sam Wagner award. He was inducted into both the Riley Football Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
Ross was a kind and gentle man who touched many lives. He was a loyal supporter of his family, friends, students, all of his football players and the boys of Bendix Park.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Margie and L.J., and by his brother, John. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 68 years; his five children, Jane Stephenson, of Edwardsburg, Julie (Bob) Herwick, of Edwardsburg, Martha (Dr. Mark) Walsh, of Mishawaka, John (Mary) Stephenson, of South Bend, Mary (Jeff) Powers of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, April 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. at our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of The Lake. Friends joined the family one hour prior to mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of The Lake Church or to the Cass County Humane Society. The family wishes to thank the Veteran’s Administration, Comfort Keepers and the COA for their care and concern during our time of need.
Arrangements were handled by Paul Mayhew funeral home in Edwardsburg.
Online condolences may be sent to losjan@aol.com.