John G. Stephenson

YORK-John G. Stephenson passed away late Friday, October 29, 2021, following a sudden illness, at Magnolias of Lancaster. He was 74 years old. John was born and raised in Bad Axe, Michigan. The second child (and only son) of Robert A. and Marie A. (Williams) Stephenson, his early years were spent on the family farm, where learned the value of hard work, discovered a love for gardening and nature, and ran amuck with the neighbor’s children and sisters Edna Mae (Brahmer), Sharon (Hansen), and Rose (Stephenson). John proudly played football and ran track for Bad Axe High school, from which he graduated in 1965. After, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Marketing at Lake Superior State College in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. There he served as a resident advisor, was elected freshman class president, and was named to the Who’s Who of American Students. He married his wife of almost 49 years, Karen R. (Gard) Stephenson, on June 14, 1969 – the same day as their graduation from the school. After college, John worked for Hudson’s Department Stores in Detroit, and then Wickes Furniture in Alpena, Michigan. In 1978, he was offered a position with Yorktowne Cabinets in Red Lion, Pennsylvania. It was a perfect match. After a few months, John decided he liked the company, the job, his co-workers, and the rolling hills and green open spaces of south central Pennsylvania. He decided it was the perfect place to raise a family, and so he was joined by wife Karen and daughter Sheila in 1979. John started as a sales and marketing manager with Yorktowne Cabinets, and through the years, moved up the ranks and took on ever-increasing responsibilities. No one worked harder. He poured his heart and soul into helping build the company and its business, becoming the Director of Marketing, and the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He would answer his telephone with a cheerful, “what can I do for you today?” and was known for making the seemingly impossible happen. Although Yorktowne was sold to Elkay in 1993, John stayed with the company, his friends, and co-workers through many changes, including the closure of the manufacturing plant in Red Lion, before finally retiring in 2015, after more than 40 years with the company. John was an avid fly fisherman, and in his retirement enjoyed nothing more than caring for the family pets and neighborhood strays, sharing dinner with his children, catching up with his work friends, contemplating his next car purchase, taking long walks around the neighborhood, puttering in the garden, and shoveling snow in the winter (the more snow, the better!). No one could tell a funny story like John, and he will be remembered always for his unfailing sense of humor, mischievous wit, grand practical jokes, and ability to elicit a laugh from almost anyone. He will also be remembered for his deep and abiding loyalty, unfailing commitment, can-do attitude, resourcefulness, determination, love for his family, kindness, leadership, and abiding affinity for dark chocolate and ice cream. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Karen, in 2018. He is survived by his three children, daughter Sheila M. Stephenson of York, and sons Michael J. Stephenson (Andrea) of Dallastown, and Douglas R. Stephenson of York; sister Rose Stephenson of Bad Axe, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, Pennsylvania, with a visitation from 1:30p-2:30 p.m. Friends are welcome to attend, reminisce, and share favorite memories of John. Interment will be private at Mt. Rose Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. The children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the caregivers and staff at Magnolias of Lancaster for the exceptional, compassionate care John received during his time with them. We are truly blessed to have had such authentic, caring, and supportive people in his life. Memorial contributions are appreciated, and may be made to the York County SPCA for its SOS (Save Our Strays) program, or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Send condolences at HeffnerCare.com CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS