John Stephens

Stephens, John Richard Age 84, of Edina, died peacefully on February 6, 2012. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. Survived by Joan, his wife of 60 years; daughter, Barb Zipoy (Mike); grandsons, Jack Zipoy (Arya) and Paul Zipoy (Abby Stahl); all of the Twin Cities. Also survived by many special relatives and friends. John was born on June 1, 1927 in Rochester, MN and was raised in Canada and MN. After serving in the Navy, he began working in sales and subsequently built a long and successful career in the securities industry. He worked at Continental Securities, Inc. before launching his own brokerage firm, John Stephens & Co., with several offices nationwide. He also spent a year at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He remained interested and active in the securities business into his eighties, day trading at NDX Trading Inc. until just months ago. He was so dedicated to the industry that he often said he would remain in it for his lifetime, "even if it means sweeping the floors at Merrill Lynch." John was also an entrepreneur, a co-founder and investor in Chi Chi's Mexican Restaurant, which began in 1975 in Richfield, MN, and later expanded nationally before acquisition by a restaurant group. As a venture capitalist, he provided seed money to dozens of start-up companies in MN, and served as a mentor to many young brokers, investors and business people. John was a jazz enthusiast, and with friends Jane and Reed Mackenzie, co-founded the Jazz Party, which ran from 1985 - 1991 in the Twin Cities. Jazz luminaries such as Milt Hinton, Peanuts Hucko, Snooky Young and Dave McKenna performed at the event over the years. John was an avid golfer, and a member of Hazeltine National Golf Club and Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. He was preceded in death by his father, William Stephens (Vera); mother, Marie Tremblatt (Seldon); and brother, Bill Stephens. John had an enthusiasm for life, a wry sense of humor, and a passion for family, business, sports and fun. He ("The Silver Fox") will be dearly missed. Special thanks and love to niece Carol Meyer. Funeral Service Thursday, February 9 at 5 PM with visitation one hour prior, at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road. Private interment. Memorials preferred to The Evans Scholars Foundation, www.wgaesf.org. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Road (1 blk N. of Hwy 5)

Tributes

John Stephens

February 9, 2012

Tributes

John Stephens

February 9, 2012

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