Werner Stebner

Werner Stebner was born in Schafkirch, Germany on May 22nd, 1940, and passed away in Spring, Texas on January 21st, 2024. He served honorably in the US Army until 1962 and then attended college at Oregon State University where he earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1968. Over his long career he worked in the forestry, sporting equipment, sheet metal/HVAC, transportation, oil, Department of Defense, and seismic/anti-vibration industries. Werner immigrated with his family to the US when he was 14 and was very proud of his German heritage. However, he was also very proud of serving as a Military Policeman in the US Army where he received the Good Conduct Medal. He was the President of the Lion’s Club in Missoula, Montana. He was also involved with Kairos Prison Ministry in Texas. Kairos is a Christian faith-based ministry that addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families. Werner was a very successful businessman who owned 8 of his own businesses while also working within corporate settings - he traveled to and worked in over 160 countries. He was a very gregarious, charismatic person who loved life, laughter, and people and could talk to anyone regardless of if they were a street sweeper or an international dignitary. He loved being outdoors and in nature and published two books as a professional photographer. Another hobby of his was automotive restoration; he completely restored 8 high-end European cars, with one of them now residing in a museum in Germany. However, Werner’s true love was his family! He adored his wife, Uta. Even as dementia stole his mind, his heart still belonged to her and his face would light up upon seeing her enter the room. Werner had incredible patience and a knack for finding unique ways to teach his two children. Even when his daughter, as a toddler, took a rock and nail and scratched the glass, chrome, and paint on the entire body of his beloved 1958 Mercedes Benz roadster, Werner was kind, loving and chuckled that he taught her well how to properly wash a car because she didn’t miss a spot. He had an amazingly positive attitude and wouldn’t accept “I don’t know” as an answer. He was very proud of his children’s accomplishments. He told Reinhard from a very young age “You’re NOT blind, you just can’t see.” Think about it. There is a difference! Werner lived life to its fullest. He worked hard and played hard. He was a man of honesty, integrity, and he listened to his God. He lived an amazing life full of unbelievable adventures. He will be missed but we will see you again! Tranquilo Papi. Ich liebe dich. Werner is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Uta Abromeit Stebner; his daughter, Sonja Stebner Charbonneau and her husband, Wilfred “Jerry” Charbonneau; his son, Reinhard Stebner; grandchildren, Annalia Uta Charbonneau and Wilfred Jacob Charbonneau; and his siblings, Arnold Stebner and Susanne “Susi” Stebner Holecz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Radtke Stebner and Leonhard Stebner, and his sister, Elvira Stebner Scholz.

Werner Stebner

May 22, 1940 - January 21, 2024