Wrestling coach and friend Bear Stevens passes away

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
10/01/2001


Robert "Bear" Stevens of Glen Ellyn, Ill., a longtime wrestling coach and supporter, passed away this weekend from pneumonia.    Bear is the husband of Sandy Stevens, the 2000 USA Wrestling Woman of the Year, and one of the greatest wrestling public address announcers in the world.    Bear Stevens wrestled at the University of Northern Iowa, under Hall of Fame coach Bill Koll, and earned letters in 1961 and 1962. He went on to become a successful high school wrestling coach, and was also an education administrator. He was an active supporter of USA Wrestling for many years, attending numerous major events around the world alongside Sandy.    "Bear Stevens was a great person who loved the sport of wrestling," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. "He showed great courage in battling his health challenges, and was an inspiration to many of us. Bear will be greatly missed by the wrestling community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy as well as his family and friends at this time."    A wake will be held from 2 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at the First United Methodist Church, 424 Forest Ave. in Glen Ellyn.    A second service will be held in Cedar Rapids, IA. A wake will be held at Lovely Lane Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Ia., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 6 followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.