WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Steven John Stockwell of Sturgis passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 27th, 2023 at the age of 81, following a home hospice stay after complications from a stroke.
Steve is survived by his children, Steven W. Stockwell of Colon and Sue Ann Johnson (Richard) of Sturgis; grandson and adopted son Stephen O. Stockwell (Christi Wilkowski) of Sturgis; grandchildren Katelyn Johnson, Emily Johnson, Helenrose Stockwell, and Zachary Davis; and great-granddaughter Lillyrose Stockwell. In addition to his immediate family, so many called him “grandpa.” By all counts, he exceeded every expectation of the title. His home was always open and comfortable for all to come as they are.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hobel (Friend) and father John Stockwell, and his daughter Shelly Stockwell. After 23 years, he is reunited with his beloved wife, Susan LuRene Stockwell (Gazlay), whom he has been waiting patiently to see again after she passed from lung cancer in 2000.
Steve was born on Christmas Eve, 1941, at Sturgis Hospital. He attended Burr Oak High School where he graduated in 1961. After a year working at Burr Oak River Products, he began working at Sutton Tool, where he proudly gave 40 years of service before their closure and his retirement in 2002.
Steve was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, and above all, a good neighbor. He loved his Sturgis community, especially his neighbors at Omena Lake and his long-time group of friends who met for coffee at McDonald’s most days. There wasn’t a tool Steve didn’t own, and all were loaned freely, along with his expertise on cars and machines. He was a proud member of the Omena Lake Association, and for many years plowed snow, mowed lawns, and managed the pontoon trailer for anyone who needed a hand. His dock and yard were always open for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the lake, and he shared his home and collection of gadgets and antiques with anyone who wanted to listen.
To remember Steve, enjoy a black coffee and look around you at all the things that you’ve built for yourself. There is pleasure to be found in hard work, laughing with your family, and the occasional Hallmark movie. Remember him when you look at how the sun touches the lake, help your neighbor, or open your home to those in need.
There will be a visitation on Friday, September 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091. To honor his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial. Just like his wife Susan in 2000, Steve has donated his body to science at the Western Michigan University School of Medicine.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to cover end of life costs at https://gofund.me/75d93995. All proceeds will benefit his immediate family as they work through next steps. Reach out to Sue Ann Johnson (sueajohns (a) gmail.com) if you have questions about how to give.
