Richard J. Stevens' Obituary
Richard Joseph Stevens, age 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, slipped peacefully into the everlasting arms of Jesus on Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, in Fruitport. He was born on November 8, 1929 in Muskegon to John B. and Johanna (Southland) Stevens. He had been a member of the former First Reformed Church of Muskegon, where he had served faithfully as an elder, deacon, senior choir and Sunday School member. He was now attending Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Norton Shores. On November 22, 1950 he married Donna Elaine Siplon, and she survives him along with four children, Terrance J. (Beth) Stevens of Longmont, CO, Joni L. (Dan) Wagenmaker of Fruitport, Mark J. (Cindy) Stevens of Fruitport and Kathleen A. (Rick) Wilkie of Norton Shores; fourteen much loved grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also is survived by one brother, Lester J. Stevens and his wife, Marva; two nephews; one niece; and by three cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter. He was employed by the former Shaw-Walker Co. for over 43 years and part-time for the former Bos Floral House for 18 years. Rich loved God, his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s concerts, and sports events. Rich loved to hunt rabbits, play baseball and watch the “Tigers” and Michigan Football on TV. He enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends, in the Reformed Church golf league. He loved “sonny boy”, the horse he and his brother shared and rode with neighborhood friends. Rich was a quiet, humble man, with a wonderful sense of humor which everyone loved. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 3PM Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Calvin Christian Reformed Church (937 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441) with Pastor John Rop officiating. VISITATION with Rich’s family will be 6-9PM Friday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49441 (231-798-1100)and from 2-3PM Saturday, prior to the service, at Calvin Church. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Calvin Christian Reformed Church, Western Michigan Christian High School’s Gymnasium Capital Campaign Fund or the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice.
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