Edmund John Stehno

Aug. 14, 1926-April 17, 2004

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Edmund John Stehno, 77, of Stratton, died Saturday (April 17, 2004) at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colo.

He was born Aug. 14, 1926, to Frank and Mary (Sis) Stehno on his family's farm south of Stratton. He attended school in Stratton and was a member of the 1943 graduating class of Stratton High School. He enlisted in the Navy July 9, 1944, and served on the USS Gasconade in the South Pacific. His ship transported troops from the U.S. to the South Pacific island of Guam, the Philippine Islands, Okinawa and later, Japan. He received his honorable discharge on June 20, 1946, and started to farm on the home place two miles north of Stratton. He spent his life farming.

In 1948, he learned to fly and he obtained his pilot's license.

He was a lifelong resident of Hitchcock County.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton, the Stratton VFW and the American Legion. He was also a member of a local flying club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Alan Dean and James Weskamp; and sister-in-law, Adeline Stehno.

Survivors include three sisters, Rose Brinks and husband, James of La Port, Colo., Regina Weskamp of Omaha and Marie Stavas and husband, Joe of Columbus; brother, Raymond Stehno of Stratton; and 18 nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial is Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Bernard Lorenz officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton.

Visitation is Tuesday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton. A rosary will be recited Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to Grandview Retirement Center in Stratton.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton is in charge of the arrangements.