David Stegner

9/17/1946 — 12/14/2025

Service Date: 12/29/2025
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David Charles Stegner passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, surrounded by his children, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

David was born Sept. 17, 1946, to Chuck and June Stegner in Dickinson, N.D. He was raised in Grangeville, where he began working in the family business, Stegner Grain & Seed Co. After graduating from high school, he attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he was a proud graduate of the class of 1968, an achievement he held with great honor. In the words of acclaimed author and fellow Citadel alumnus Pat Conroy, “I wear the ring,” a sentiment that reflected his lifelong pride in this prestigious institution. He then continued his formal education, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Montana State University.

In 1970, David met the love of his life, Carol Tompkins, in Grangeville. They were married on Feb. 13, 1971, and together raised three children: Jason, Kimberly and Michael. David and Carol shared 52 years of marriage until her passing Jan. 2, 2024. Their love story continues as they are now reunited in Heaven less than two years apart.

David and Carol spent their early married years in Grangeville and Craigmont, working alongside his father and brothers in the family grain business. In 1982, they moved to Clarkston, which became their lifelong home. David remained a co-owner of Stegner Grain & Seed Co. until its sale in 1995. He then served as vice president of Twin River Bank, managing the Clarkston branch, while also serving on the bank’s board of directors beginning in 1986. He remained on the board for 39 years, until his passing.

Never one to sit still, David later purchased Mike’s Pipes in Clarkston, operating the business alongside his son Mike and wife Carol. Together, they ran the successful muffler shop until 2008, when David officially retired.

David and Carol loved to travel — whether by fifth wheel, attending family reunions or visiting their favorite destination, Maui. David was an avid golfer who proudly walked the course, even during chemotherapy, and rarely admitted to a bad day on the links. He also enjoyed fly fishing and cherished time spent on rivers and streams with family.

A faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Clarkston, he and Carol volunteered and participated in various committees within the parish. David was a lifelong learner. He was especially proud of earning his pilot’s license and later, in his seventies, his CDL so he could serve as a substitute bus driver.

Above all else, David treasured his family. He was a devoted and loving father, always eager to share advice, celebrate accomplishments and look out for his children. His joy only grew when he became a grandfather. He was present, engaged and endlessly proud — never missing an opportunity to attend events, offer encouragement or give a big hug.

Though his diagnosis last February was devastating, David never lost hope. He faced each day with strength, grace and reassurance for those he loved. His legacy of love, perseverance and devotion to family will endure.

David is survived by his children: Jason (Beth) Stegner, of Arch Cape, Ore.; Kimberly Skinner, of Lewiston; and Michael (Angie) Stegner, of Lewiston; and his grandchildren: Connor Stegner, Alexis Stegner (Colton Stottlemyre), Trayton Skinner, Teagan Skinner, Eleanor Stegner, Braeden Keane, Danica Keane and Macy Stegner. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law Joe (Deborah) Stegner, Paul (Mary Kay) Stegner and John (Laurie) Stegner, all of Boise; brother-in-law Mike (Sandy) Tompkins, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He also leaves behind his cherished dog, Pepper, who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carol; his parents, Chuck and June Stegner; his sister, Ethel Green; and his aunt, Anne Stegner.

A rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston, viewing to follow from 3:30-5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at All Saints Catholic Church, 3330 14th St., Lewiston, followed by a celebration of life in the church social hall. A private family burial will be held at Vineland Cemetery prior to the celebration of life.