Obituary of Franklin K. Stever

Mr. Franklin K. Stever, 92, formerly of Stone Arabia Street, Nelliston, New York, died Saturday, August 6, 2011 at St. Johnsville Nursing Home following a brief illness. Born on December 13, 1918 in Little Falls, NY, he was the son of Franklin K. Stever, Sr. and Helen M. Vincent Stever. He was educated at Fort Plain High School and the former Fort Klock and Nelliston Schools. He spent most of his life in the local area. Mr. Stever was employed in the maintenance department at Beech-Nut in Canajoharie for 39 years, retiring in 1984. Mr. Stever was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army under General Patent's 3rd Army, as a Private First Class. He served throughout Europe and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a two time recipient of the Purple Heart and also received the Campaign Ribbon with four bronze stars, and the Good Conduct Ribbon. He was a lifetime member of the Fort Plain Earl Stock Memorial VFW Post #3275, Beech-Nut 25 Year Club, National Rifle Association, and Trout Unlimited. Mr. Stever was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fly fisherman. He was in the Civilian Conservation Corp. prior to his military service in 1941. On October 7, 1961 in Cherry Valley, NY, he was married to Thelma S. Brundage Stever. She preceded him in death on January 10, 2002. Mr. Stever is survived by his sister, Catherine L. and her husband, Carleton Rider of St. Johnsville, NY; niece, Natalie J. Weaver of FL; nephew, Calvin Rider of Gloversville, NY; several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Noon at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. R.W. Williams officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 11:00-12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery with full Military Honors by the US Army and the Fort Plain VFW Post #3275 Memorial Squad.