Steve A. Workman's Obituary
Steven Alan Workman, age 71, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and the comfort of his home. Born on July 7, 1954 in Muskegon, Michigan to Alan and Margaret Workman, Steve grew up knowing the importance of faith, family, friends, and hard work.
Steve graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1972. He went to MuskegonCommunity College, Michigan State University, and obtained his MBA from Drake University.
He began his working life alongside his Dad and Grandpa at Muskegon Hardware & Supply. Drawing on those early skills and his growing business acumen, he later started his own company, Filter and Coating Technology in Grand Rapids. Steve took great pride in the team he built there and deeply appreciated the commitment and contributions of his employees throughout the years. He was known to say, “Hire people you trust and let them do their job.”
Outside of work—or perhaps as an extension of it—you could often find Steve on the golf course. He cherished the friendships and camaraderie he built at Blythefield Country Club, where he proudly served on their board for several years. He especially enjoyed his involvement with the Meijer LPGA where he was “Chairman of Operations-committee of one”. He also loved to quip, “Steve Workman, Blue Blazer 1993 - thanks for asking!”
Steve also embraced lake life to the fullest. He made homes on Bostwick Lake and Lake Bella Vista before finally settling into his dream home on Spring Lake, where being on the water brought him some of his greatest joy. During the winter months, he found warmth and community on Marco Island, spending his days boating through the waterways or golfing at The Island Club, always finding new ways to bring people together.
Steve’s home on Lake Bella Vista (where he never drove over 25 mph) became a favorite gathering place where friends and family came together year after year. Countless memories were made there, along with friendships that have endured to this day. In those early years, Steve delighted the neighborhood by dressing up as Santa Claus. It didn’t take long, however, for one observant young neighbor to catch on and declare, “I think you are Ho Ho!” The nickname stuck, becoming a cherished part of Steve’s story—so much so that his dearly loved grandchildren (and many adults) now call him HoHo with affection and pride.
He also became one of the most enthusiastic supporters of Grand Valley State University. His passion for gathering friends and family was especially evident at sporting events, where he infused every outing with energy and fun. His support of GVSU athletics was matched only by his dedication to academics, demonstrated through scholarships he created in honor of his parents—a tangible reflection of his gratitude, generosity, and deep family pride.
Steve leaves behind a cherished community of friends. Relationships meant everything to him, and he made sure the people in his life felt his appreciation, warmth, and genuine affection. He never hesitated to offer his time, encouragement, resources, or steady presence—always ready to step in with whatever was needed to make someone’s day a little brighter or life a little better.
Steve’s heartfelt tag-line when leaving his friends was, “appreciate your friendship!”
Steve was a giver. Steve was a doer. The way he lived his life stands as a testament to the enduring importance of faith, family, friendship, and hard work—values he practiced wholeheartedly and passed on to all who knew him.
Steve is lovingly survived by his children and grandchildren: Rob and Megan Workman (Holden, Oliver, Hattie); Steve and Amy Workman (Rhett, Sloane); and Sara and Chris May (Derek, Spencer). He is also survived by his siblings—Linda Carver; Lori and Ken Batts; and Lisa Mulder—along with his 25 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dean, and his brother-in-law John Mulder.
Steve is also survived by Kim Schmidt, with whom he shared decades of partnership, laughter, cherished memories, devotion, and a wide circle of friends they gathered along the way. Kim’s parents, Mike and Phyllis Mumaw, and her brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Stacy, were embraced by Steve as family, and he loved them deeply.
A private family service will be held. There will be an opportunity to meet his family and celebrate Steve’s life on Monday, December 15, 3:00-7:00 at Blythefield Country Club, 5801 Northland Dr NE, Belmont, MI 49306.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Schmidt/Workman scholarship at GVSU.
Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Share memories with the family online at https://www.SytsemaFH.com
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