Obituary | Jack Stebbins of Bowman, North Dakota | Krebsbach Funeral Service (2024)

Jack Stebbins, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Bowman, ND, passed away on May 6, 2023 at his home in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial for Jack will be on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman. Fr. Dennis Schaefer will celebrate the Mass. There will be a Rosary and Vigil service on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church.

Jack D. Stebbins, originally of Bowman, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home in Bismarck, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife of forty-two years, Colleen, and his three children, Mike, Jackie, and David.

Jack was born on September 2, 1953, to Emery and Wanda Stebbins. Jack was reared on the family farm northeast of Bowman. All through his life, Jack knew and loved that land’s character and beauty.

Jack graduated from Bowman High School in 1972. He was a proud member of Coach Reinhiller’s football team and shared many fond stories of his teammates and victories.

He began studying at Dickinson State and later transferred to what his daughter fondly referred to as the Ag College (NDSU) in Fargo, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He enjoyed his time in college, but spent his breaks working back on the farm.

Jack met the love of his life, Colleen (Kline), at a dance in 1974. He left the dance and told his friend, Bob, “I’m going to marry that girl.” He was always smitten with Colleen and Jack wasn’t necessarily one to be smitten. Jack and Colleen dated through college and were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton, on October 24, 1980.

Jack and Colleen began their life together in Hettinger, but returned to the Bowman farmstead so Jack could farm and ranch with his brother. The couple welcomed and raised all three of their children on the farm. Jack adored his kids and was very proud of each one and all their accomplishments. Jack lovedhelping with rodeos, and enjoyed watching football, girls basketball, wrestling, and summer youth baseball. He was also highly skilled at building (winning) pinewood derby cars.

Jack had a passion for raising sheep and cattle and he always had a beloved and well-trained dog close at his heels. In the late-90s, he transitioned from full-time farming and ranching to working as a Broker at his real estate company, Western Edge Realty. Along with the change in work, Jack and Colleen changed their scenery by moving just east of Bowman where Jack kept busy tinkering in the barn and keeping his cars clean in the garage.

In 2002, Jack was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and a rare respiratory condition. While his health slowly took a toll on him physically, his personality, strength, and determination were unwavering. Until his last day, he continued to work in real estate. And always the cowboy and motorhead, he rode a horse, and drove a snowmobile and stick shift until he could no longer.

Jack was kind and had a big heart. His family described him as honest to a fault. He was the kind of man who saw a heartfelt story about a mother and her children on the news and sent them some money. He didn’t want recognition or thanks, he just wanted to help others. Jack was quiet, but not without wit. He routinely delivered a perfect one-liner at the most opportune time.

Jack knew the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. He instilled those values into his children and taught them to return things in as good of a state as found or better. He was also fiercely proud of his grandchildren. He loved all their personalities, and was entertained by their ideas, activities, andantics.

Jack knew death was near, but he had no regrets and was strong in his faith. When he entered end-of-life care, he spoke openly to his family about his love for them and that he was at peace. He will be dearly missed in death, but for all his years, Jack lived.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Emery Stebbins. He is survived by his wife, Colleen, and their three children Mike (and Emily) Stebbins, Bozeman, MT; Jackie (and Sean Arithson) Stebbins, Bismarck, ND; and David Stebbins, Bowman, ND; his grandchildren, Kennedy, Carter, Kirby, Aya, and Abby; his brother Woody (and Rita) Stebbins, Prescott Valley, AZ; his uncle Bill Stebbins (and Jeanette), Glendive, MT, and countless other cousins, in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family ask that donations be sent in his name to Tracy’s Sanctuary in Bismarck, the Bowman Area Dollars for Scholars, or Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.

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