Bert John Stevens' Obituary
Mr. Bert John Stevens, age 83, passed away early Sunday morning, July 30, 2006 at Mercy Hospital. He was born August 13, 1922 in Muskegon to Joseph and Clara (Knoll) Stevens and lived in the area his entire life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during WWII. Bert began working as a young boy when he bought his first livestock, which led to a lifetime cattleman career in the meat packing business, as he continued to work into his 80’s. He worked for John W. Smith Meat Packing for 30 years and later for Hazekamp Meat Packing for 15 years. He also traded cattle and other livestock on the side for many years. On June 23, 1949, he married the former Madonna R. Nelson and she preceded him in death in 1991. He married the former Lois J. Culver on November 25, 2005 and she survives him. He had been a member of First Reformed Church and was currently a member of Hope Reformed Church. Bert had served on the consistory for both churches. Along with his wife, Lois, he is survived by 3 sons, Joseph (Patricia) Stevens, David Stevens, and Jon Stevens; 4 step-children, Kathy (Mark) Younts, Scott (Linda) Culver, Timothy (Desiree) Culver and Anne (Dean) Roesler; many grandchildren; 1 brother, Harris (Norma) Stevens; 2 sisters, Nell Luhman and Joyce Stevens; and 1 sister-in-law, Marian Stevens. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Sharon Stevens, 1 brother, James Stevens, and 1 brother-in-law, Bill Luhman. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 4, 2006 at Hope Reformed Church with Rev. Steve Hyma officiating. INTERMENT will take place at East Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery. VISITATION with Bert’s family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at the Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210. There will be no visitation on Thursday, but friends and family my call again 1 hour prior to the service, 10-11 AM Friday at the church. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Hope Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Sign the guestbook on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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