WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Bent A. Stephenson, age 31, of Mendon, died Saturday, July 25, 2009 in a motor vehicle accident in Park Township. Brent was born in Sturgis on April 5, 1978 the son of Mark and Karen (Rice) Stephenson and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1996 where he was active in football and wrestling. He later attended Northwestern Technical Institute in Lima, Ohio.
Those who knew Brent, knew that the most important aspects of his life were family and friends, and that he contributed all he could to support them. He was honorable, respectful, and loving.
Brent had dreams and he lived his dreams. He possessed a strong work ethic with a hard-working attitude. Brent was raised on the farm from an early age and thoroughly enjoyed the comradery with his family while living and working on the farm. He appreciated the highs and the lows the occupation represents. His remarkable talents and experience made him successful in various facets of the farming industry. Over the past 10 years he also worked alongside his family at Mammoth Grove Farms.
Brent’s personality trait that will always be remembered will be his distinctive laugh, warm hugs, and ambitious zest for life. The family is comforted at this time in believing that God, our Heavenly Father, and His son, Jesus Christ, give unconditional love to those who call upon His name.
Brent is survived by his parents, Mark Stephenson of Mendon and Karen Rice of Schoolcraft; 2 sisters, Christina Stephenson (Keith Doucette) of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Andrea Mason (Aaron) of Jackson, MI; paternal grandmother, Jean Stephenson of Mendon; maternal grandparents, Arthur & Patricia Rice of Centreville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Leslie Stephenson in 2000.
Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Crossroads Missionary Church with Rev. Ward D. Pierce officiating. Memorials will be directed to the Mendon Wrestling Club, where Brent was a volunteer coach. Online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
