Louise P. Stephens

Fort Collins, Colorado

Louise P. Stephens, 87, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015 in Fort Collins, Colorado. A funeral mass will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Louise was born in Paris, France. She was a member of the French Federation during WWII and worked as an underground telephone operator. She was fluent in three languages. She met Everett Stephens, an Army MP, during the war. They married in Antwerp, Belgium in 1946 and lived in Iowa until 2007. They were married for 65 years. She worked for the Telephone Company from 1958 until 1985. Louise loved to knit, travel, volunteer and tell her experiences during the war. She also had a love for animals. She was member of Sacred Heart Parrish in West Des Moines, ABWA, Pioneers - Century Link, and the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Kamerzell of Fort Collins, CO; son, Richard Stephens of San Diego, CA; granddaughters, Cherie Strauser and Jody Trujillo, both of Fort Collins; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters, all of Fort Collins. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Rachel Kempenaire; brother, Julian Kempenaire; and her husband, Everett (Steve) Stephens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League.