Jerry D. Stevens of Hamilton passed away Friday, May 18, 2007, at his home after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was comforted until the end by the love of his family. Jerry's greatest joy and inspiration in life was always his family.

Jerry was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Jan. 30, 1934, one of eight children of William and Ethel Stevens. He was educated in Redding, Calif., graduating from Shasta High School in 1952.

On May 12, 1956, he married Patricia Emery in Reno, Nev., and they recently celebrated their 51st anniversary. Pat and Jerry were blessed with three children, Wendy, Jerry Jr. and David.

While living in California, Jerry was employed in various areas of construction. In 1969, he moved his family to Hamilton, where he built custom homes. After 10 years, he specialized in concrete construction and continued for 30 years. Although he claimed to be retired, he continued to "help" his partner, Rick Lubke, until the age of 72. Jerry's work ethic, commitment to customer satisfaction and expert craftsmanship earned him great respect all across the Bitterroot, and gained him many friends. Several of his closest friends began as clients.

Jerry was a member of the Hamilton B.P.O.E. No. 1651 for 37 years, the Hamilton Golf Club for 18 years, and he dedicated many years to youth baseball, coaching his sons from Pee Wee League through Babe Ruth.

Jerry's passions were any activities that involved his children and grandchildren. Some of his best times were spent fishing, gold prospecting, camping and attending all the kid's sporting events. Jerry was fortunate to enjoy numerous trips with friends and family, including Hawaii, Europe, New England, Mexico, Disney World, Canada and Arizona. His most memorable trips were to Disney World with his grandchildren, prospecting on the Yukon River with Jerry Jr., touring the British Isles with Wendy and Tony, and fishing in British Columbia and Alaska with his sons and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; his children and their spouses, Wendy and Tony Riehl, of Billings, Jerry and Julie Stevens, and David and Colleen Stevens, all of Kalispell; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Riehl (and Wayne Brackney) and Steven Riehl of Billings, plus Alex, Emma, Luke, Quin, Shea and Ellie Stevens, all of Kalispell; his sister, Amber Laus, of Redding; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, conducted by Sister Margaret Hogan. A reception will be afterward at the St. Francis Pastoral Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be sent to Marcus Daly Hospice Endowment Fund, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840, or to the Hamilton Babe Ruth Baseball Association, P.O. Box 1077, Hamilton, 59840.