MONTE VISTA — Donald A. Stegman was born in Monte Vista, on April 16, 1937. The son of William Stegman and Rose (Higel) Stegman, Don graduated from Monte Vista high school.
He went on to graduate from Adams State College with a Bachelor’s degree in 1961, and received his Master’s Degree from Adams in 1964. He did advanced work at UNC in Greeley and also at New Mexico University.
He did all doctoral course work at UNM — save the dissertation. He taught high school in Kansas and, after working on his Masters and teaching several classes, he was hired by Dr. Fred Plachy at Adams State in 1964.
Don’s teaching career spanned over 30 years with 28 ½ years at Adams. He taught English, speech, and theatre classes at ASC and directed several plays, as well as community plays.
During this busy time, he served eight years on the Alamosa School District Board of Education. Post retirement, Don continued to serve his community as an AARP Drivers Ed instructor, served many years as a board member for Alamosa Senior Citizens, board member for San Luis Care Center, board member for the Veteran’s Center in M.V., and board member for Valley Educators Credit Union.  
He spent many hours serving on various Adams State committees and boards: Hall of Fame for Educators, Hall of Fame for Athletics, and recently the ASU Foundation Board. He served as committee member on the 100 Year Anniversary (2021) of ASU. Additionally, Don received the most prestigious award offered by Adams State University in 2011: the Billy Adams Award.
The outdoors were especially important to him — especially fishing. His gracious invitations to fish from one of his many boats at various lakes brought a smile from Don, as various kids and adults hooked a good fish. He loved doing things for his family, friends and neighbors.
Don lost the love of his life, Joyce, in 2005. Surviving him are his children: Scott (Laura) Stegman of League City, Texas; Kara (Jerry) Nye of Alamosa; and Jeff (Leslie) Hawkins of Colorado City.  Grandchildren include Kyle, Landon and Taylor; Raleigh, Sheila, Ellie, Helena and Larry and Brayden.
Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. Services will be announced at a later date. To leave online condolences or words of strength for the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.