Steve
Steve Stevenson
Steven C. “Steve” Stevenson of Otsego, Michigan, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2012 in Nassau County, NY, where he was assisting in recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy. Steve was born September 8, 1960 in Plainwell to Thomas Neal and Paula Louise (Griffith) Stevenson, Sr.
He was a 1978 graduate of Otsego High School, where he was on the swim team and in the band, and then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Davenport University in 1985. Once he received his Paramedic certification he worked for Mall City Ambulance in Kalamazoo, Community EMS in Farmington MI, returning to Plainwell with Plainwell Ambulance Corp. in 1986. Later that year he began working for AMR- American Medical Response in Plainwell. He was currently employed as operations supervisor with AMR, transferring to Grand Rapids with AMR when the company moved in 2003. Steve began his career as an Otsego Firefighter in 1988 serving as Captain since 2000. While on the Otsego Fire Department serving as an instructor for the Allegan County Fire Academy, Steve watched many young men and women grow into great firefighters and touched the lives of many citizens.
A man of many accomplishments, Steve was instrumental in designing the current Ladder Truck and Fire Engine. He also is credited with beginning the medical response program in Otsego. He was involved with Allegan County Emergency Management as a Local Emergency Planning Specialist and worked ski patrol at Bittersweet Ski Area. As a young man he was involved in theater and musicals, a passion he has passed on to his daughter. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, gardening and hunting. He especially enjoyed being a dad and spending time with his daughter.
On a ranch north of Las Vegas he married Karen Lynn Carnell-Stevenson, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Chelsea; four brothers, Thomas Jr. (Carol) Stevenson of CO, Terry Stevenson of Plainwell, Scott (Linda) Stevenson and Kris (Maggie) Stevenson, both of Otsego; aunts and an uncle; several special nieces and nephews.
Steve’s family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego
. Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday at
St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Otsego
, celebrant Timothy Secord officiating. Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Steve may be made to the
Otsego Fire Department
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Steve Stevenson
Condolence Messages
Bruce Moran
December 5, 2012 at 3:39 pm
My thoughts go out to the family
Well what can I say about Steve, Well what a great man father and friend. He always put everyone first. He taght me so much when I was on the fire dept with him. One of the smartest and honest guy’s i knew. Good friend he was there no matter when you called. I remeber a time I was going threw the fire academy and I was having an issue, Well I called steve late at night. He was busy working but said come over and I will help you with what you need. Most people would say just wait until later but not steve. I feel that I am blessed for meeting him and becomeing one of his friends.
Reply
Linda Benwire
December 5, 2012 at 9:22 pm
I will truely miss Steve. What a great guy. Our paths kept crossing. I knew him way back when I worked at Pipp Hospital and he worked for Plainwell Ambulance. Now I work at Zeeland Community Hospital and he came there with AMR. Always a smile and friendly greeting. RIP Steve.
Reply
Lisa Rickli
December 6, 2012 at 2:03 am
Steve was a great friend and a very kind and sincere person. I have many wonderful memories of Steve from high school which I will cherish.He even drove me down to Tennessee to visit a classmate years ago. Whenever I saw him the last few years he always had his daughter Chelsea with him, He would always tell me about her and I could instantly tell how much he loved being a loving and devoted father to her. His loyalty to his work was amazing. He loved it and took it very seriously. He will be sadly missed.
Rest in Peace dear friend Steve.
Lisa Rickli
Otsego, Michigan
Reply
Patti (Khodl) Hewitt
December 6, 2012 at 11:28 am
So sorry to read of your loss. I remember Steve when working at Pipp. He was kind, quick to reassure patients, always ready with a quick wit and ready smile, very forthright personally and professionally. Am sure he will be missed greatly by family, friends and co-workers.
Sincerely,
Reply
Jennifer Enos
December 6, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Steve was a great man. He meant a lot to our two daughters – Madison and Faith (friends of Chelsea’s). He went above and beyond to make the summers fun for the girls when they would hang out together. Our girls have wonderul memories that they will carry throughout their live’s; from the Michigan’s Adventure trip, coming home late with ice cream on their faces to the multiple times the girls played in the Stevenson backyard. In all my 36 years, I have never met a man as wonderful as he was. Karen and Chelsea were his world. He will be very much missed by many within the community. My heart goes out to Karen and Chelsea during this time. I pray Steve is at peace as he served his life to the fullest and is now at rest with our Lord Almighty.
Sincery,
Jason and Jennifer
Reply
Dave Betz
December 6, 2012 at 5:04 pm
He will be missed by all.
Have so many memories from the 25+ years we worked together. From Mall City, Plainwell EMS and Mercy/AMR. His distinct deep voice is one that you could never mix up with anyone elses. From grilling steaks/potato’s at B9 from Big Top, poker nights and NOT being one of his favorites at 4am when I would wake him for a transfer. I haven’t seen many since I left EMS 4 years ago except for Steve. Always a handshake, a smile and a few minutes from both of us as we filled each other in on what’s been up.
It was an honor to have been given the opportunity to know you all these years and I am sure you are shedding a tear when you look down upon us and see just how many people’s lives you have touched in your short time here.
BETZ
Reply
Captain Keith Redlin
December 6, 2012 at 10:41 pm
On behalf of the officers and firefighters of the Brown City MI Fire and Rescue, we send our sincere condolences to the family and fire family of captain Stevenson. Rest In Peace brother.
Reply
DeEtte L English
December 6, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Well where do I start? The first time I met Steve he was responding to a medical with OFD, as I was on the ambulance and he asked me if We were an ambulance of course me being new I just said “yes sir” he said you can call me yes sir all you want but bring the first in bag every time, are you dumb?” Wow did I ever learn from this! ( I was the junior and this was my partners idea, but he didn’t know that I took the heat. Yep next call no red bag and boy did we need it, he stood behind me and said “I told you so” I’ve been doing this since you were born I didn’t get these grey hairs over night! Anyways the knowledge, the skill and most of all his compassion to serve a community for more than 1/2 of his life! I ask “what are we going to do without him yelling at us?” I pray for Karen and Chelsea daily as he loved those ladies more than anything! They were his world! Karen as you read this please remember he loved you girls more than anything, he loved his jobs from being a medic, ff, husband, dad and so many more titles to list, ok garbage man, Plummer, spider catcher etc….. Take care of Chelsea and yourself and as you already know if you need something call Brett or I, the ambulance base or the fire dept! I’m sure he knows well take care of you girls! Xoxo
Reply
Roxy Reed
December 7, 2012 at 3:28 am
I have so many memories of Steve hanging out at the Fire station running calls play poker in the barn , watching him clean and remodel his house.
His distinct voice.
Karen and Chelsea you and all of the Stevenson family have my sincere condolences.
Roxy Reed
Colorado Springs Colorado
Reply
Diane Berger
December 7, 2012 at 10:27 am
While I work with Karen and don’t know Steve, it is clear that he spent his life serving others. What a great gift he gave to the world and we have lost a hero. My prayers for Karen, Chelsea, and the rest of his family and circle of friends who will surely miss him. May the memories of his goodness sustain and comfort you.
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Tim and Jessica Richards
December 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Devestated to hear of Steve’s passing. Great guy with great humor and caring and commitment to his community. Will be missed. Heart goes out to you Karen! Love to your family
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Craig, Kathy and Kaylynn Nelson
December 7, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Karen and Chelsea, so very sorry for your loss and this difficult, difficult time. Steve was such a great guy and a super neighbor. I remember the first time I met him, a car fire in my driveway and talk about a first responder! I barely got off the phone with 911 and he was there, working to put out the fire. I asked him “how the heck did you get here so fast?” and he responded “Man, I just live right there!” pointing at his house. Comforting to know we had such great neighbors. He is and will continue to be missed. RIP Steve.
Reply
Paula Buelow
December 7, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Dear Karen and Chelsea,
I work for AMR and call on all the facilities that we service in West Michigan. Many of the people who work at the facilities have contacted me to tell me how they knew Steve and how much he will be missed. They all have offered their thoughts and prayers for you and his family, and Steve’s AMR and Fire Dept families.
Steve was a great co-worker; his upbeat attitude and smile, willingness to help, confidence, and his love for his team made him a standout supervisor. I pray that you will always feel the love that Steve so freely and frequently expressed for both of you.
Reply
Matthew Harry
December 7, 2012 at 8:05 pm
To the Stevenson family. I want to share my sympathy with Karen and Chelsea along with Steve’s parents and brothers. You certainly have lost a lot and I stand beside you with any needs I am capable of assisting you with.
I have had the priviledge of working with Steve for 15 years now. From mutual aid when he was working ambulance in Plainwell and I was working in Allegan, to working under him on the Otsego Fire Department to having him be one of my supervisors at AMR, we encountered each other frequently. I will miss the camraderie of working together with Steve to serve our communities.
I will continue to remember Steve for his skills as a paramedic, his way of clearly communicating his feelings, his Santa outfit, and his way of driving an ambulance in a manner that made me close my eyes and hang on praying silently! (Although we ALWAYS arrived there safely.)
Steve won’t be soon forgotten and I’m sure he will be spoken of fondly and frequently for many years by those of us who knew him.
Karen and Chelsea, you will be in my family’s prayers tonight and into the future. May God give you the peace that only He is able.
Reply
Brenda Boulter-Try
December 7, 2012 at 9:37 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Steve from the Otsego highschool swim team. Steve always gave his all to the sport of swimming and to his team mates. Sending our sincere condolences to the family and friends. Brenda
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Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ray
December 8, 2012 at 1:16 am
Love You Steve For ever. He always had time for family.He loved old picture of our Family.He would call and say do you have more pictures. He would send Rose to me when I was sick, He was good to Grandma Stevenson and was their for at the of her life, His mom & Dad he loved so very much. What a Family, I remmber 4th of Julys at the family home and each one better the last one, Steve loved life and the lost is hard to get through. But as a FAMILY we some how will make it. He LOVED KAREN so much.and her Family also.CHELSEA was also the LOVE his life. How did one Man do so much for all ,we will never Know. KAREN & CHELSEA We love too if need use we are here.to my SISTER & BROTHER, We Love you and your FAMILY How do you put all the years we had together when are hearts are broken now.to my God we need you now. SIs I LOVE YOU RAy & Joyce
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Todd Chassee
December 8, 2012 at 7:05 am
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Steve for the past several years. He was not only an excellent paramedic, but also a great man. He also had a light hearted side that was greatly appreciated. Many of my partners have commented that Christmas won’t be the same in the Butterworth ED without Steve and his Santa hat. Our condolences to all of his family.
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Wendy Hendricks Moyer
December 8, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I am so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He was one of the nicest, funniest people I ever knew and I will always have fond memories of him. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Rest in peace, dearest Steve.
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Susanne Hamilton (Stevenson)
December 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I just want to express my deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of their son, brother husband and father…It’s been many years since I’ve seen Steve and the family but I do remember what a nice young man he was and that he had a great sense of humor. He has left his mark on many hearts! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Lonzey Taylor
December 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm
To the family of Steve, I am sorry for your lost. I worked with Tom his father for many years at Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, Mi. and I am a fire man and EMT. May the lord be with you in your time of need.
Capt.Lonzey Taylor
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Kraig timmer
December 9, 2012 at 8:45 am
I met Steve in 2002 when he was my instructor for Firefighter I&II. Over the years, I had Steve as an instructor for several classes. His entheusiasm & quick witted character were always good for a few laughs.
Steve was as he put it a “da** good instructor” & played a role in my decision to become an instructor myself. I hope to be half as good as you my friend.
Blessings to the family, coworkers & friends.
Kraig Timmer
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Bernie Brunett
December 9, 2012 at 9:05 am
Karen, Chelsea and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss and my friend Steve. Steve was my former Allegan County Emergency Management Partner. His knowledge and experience made my job so much easier. The City of Otsego, Allegan County and Southwest Michigan has lost a very talented and dedicated Person.
May God be with Steve, and Bless his Family and Friends.
Bernard Brunett
Bay City, MI
Reply
Charlie and Pam McQueer
December 9, 2012 at 11:44 am
It was a pleasure having Steve in our lives, in his prsence he always had us laughing with his wonderful stories. He had a personality that was unique. Although many of us knew him best for his jokes and stories, his true blessings were watching him with Karen and Chelsea. His love for both of them was immense, his pride in having them in their lives was projected in his wonderful smile and glow that illuminated his face. If ever anyone witnessed him as a EMT or Fireman then they witnessed a very dedicated man in his fields, He will forever live on in our hearts and in our minds and his loss will always be a reminder of precious life is. Rest in Peace Steve.
Charlie and Pam McQueer
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LT. Alfonso and Kenda Cartagena
December 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Our sincere condolences for you and your family. Thank you for your service to serve others. The community will greatly miss you. God Bless your family.
Lt. Alfonso and Kenda Cartagena
Constantine Fire Department
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KEN AND TONI COBURN
December 9, 2012 at 6:24 pm
You were my back-yard neighbor growing up, my friend when we were on the OFD together and the best friend to all you knew. We will keep you in our thoughts and pray for the loved ones you leave behind. Will see you later…………………..peace
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Pam Hopkins
December 9, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Dear Paula and Family – I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Steve. He sounds like a wonderful person and very highly respected. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you and his family at this time of sorrow and grief. May God be with you all and grant you His Peace in your hearts.
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Joseph D Munger
December 11, 2012 at 11:58 am
sorry for your loss
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Maeilyn Welcher & Jerry Fenner
December 11, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Thinking of Steve,s family and his extended family.
Reply
Mark Bruning
December 11, 2012 at 2:29 pm
On behalf of American Medical Response and more than 16,000 caregivers across the US and especially those EMS and Fire Department colleagues of Steve’s in Michigan, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to his family at his passing. Not only did Steve live his entire life in service to others as a firefighter and paramedic, but he passed away doing what he loved while caring for people in need in a distant community devastated by nature far from his own home – and that is the legacy of selfless devotion to others that he leaves behind. Spencer Kimball once said that “God does watch over us and does notice us, but it usually through someone else that he meets our needs.” Steve was that “someone” for countless people throughout his career and he will continue watching over his family and friends and “meeting their needs” from a different place. He will be missed greatly, but never forgotten. God Bless his family, friends, co-workers and everyone he knew and loved and loved him in return.
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Greg Cassidy
December 12, 2012 at 9:11 am
My thoughts and prayers to Steve’s Family.
I first met Steves back in 2000 when I was going through Firefighter I &II as part of the Allegan fire academy. He was the program director/ lead instructor.
I remember that he was the most interesting instructor and always had the best practical advice (and storys)!
For many years after there was hardly a fire that I went to that I didn’t hear his words of advice echoing in my head.
In the following years, whenever I ran into Steve it was as if I was talking to an old friend even though it might have been a couple of years since we last saw each other.
He will be missed…
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Kathy Cross
December 12, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Tom and Paula, so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how you must feel with the loss of your son. He seemed to be such an accomplished man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Reply
Pandy Chiddister
December 14, 2012 at 8:25 am
Karen
Sorry to hear that you have lost Steve. He was a great guy.
We always looked forward to him coming to teach First-aid and CPR. He was always so fun! You and Chelsea are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Judy 'Flegal' Shumaker
August 9, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Paula. I am so sorry that you lost your son back in December. I saw your sister, Pat, tonight (8-9-13) at a class reunion get together and she told me about Steve being your son. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. Such a tragedy. I remember reading the coverage in the papers at the time but did not realize who he was until tonight. My thoughts are with you and I am sending you my most sincere sympathy. Please take care. May your special memories help you through your grief in the coming years.
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He was a 1978 graduate of Otsego High School, where he was on the swim team and in the band, and then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Davenport University in 1985. Once he received his Paramedic certification he worked for Mall City Ambulance in Kalamazoo, Community EMS in Farmington MI, returning to Plainwell with Plainwell Ambulance Corp. in 1986. Later that year he began working for AMR- American Medical Response in Plainwell. He was currently employed as operations supervisor with AMR, transferring to Grand Rapids with AMR when the company moved in 2003. Steve began his career as an Otsego Firefighter in 1988 serving as Captain since 2000. While on the Otsego Fire Department serving as an instructor for the Allegan County Fire Academy, Steve watched many young men and women grow into great firefighters and touched the lives of many citizens.
A man of many accomplishments, Steve was instrumental in designing the current Ladder Truck and Fire Engine. He also is credited with beginning the medical response program in Otsego. He was involved with Allegan County Emergency Management as a Local Emergency Planning Specialist and worked ski patrol at Bittersweet Ski Area. As a young man he was involved in theater and musicals, a passion he has passed on to his daughter. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, gardening and hunting. He especially enjoyed being a dad and spending time with his daughter.
On a ranch north of Las Vegas he married Karen Lynn Carnell-Stevenson, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Chelsea; four brothers, Thomas Jr. (Carol) Stevenson of CO, Terry Stevenson of Plainwell, Scott (Linda) Stevenson and Kris (Maggie) Stevenson, both of Otsego; aunts and an uncle; several special nieces and nephews.
Steve’s family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego
. Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday at
St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Otsego
, celebrant Timothy Secord officiating. Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Steve may be made to the
Otsego Fire Department
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Steve Stevenson
Condolence Messages
Bruce Moran
December 5, 2012 at 3:39 pm
My thoughts go out to the family
Well what can I say about Steve, Well what a great man father and friend. He always put everyone first. He taght me so much when I was on the fire dept with him. One of the smartest and honest guy’s i knew. Good friend he was there no matter when you called. I remeber a time I was going threw the fire academy and I was having an issue, Well I called steve late at night. He was busy working but said come over and I will help you with what you need. Most people would say just wait until later but not steve. I feel that I am blessed for meeting him and becomeing one of his friends.
Reply
Linda Benwire
December 5, 2012 at 9:22 pm
I will truely miss Steve. What a great guy. Our paths kept crossing. I knew him way back when I worked at Pipp Hospital and he worked for Plainwell Ambulance. Now I work at Zeeland Community Hospital and he came there with AMR. Always a smile and friendly greeting. RIP Steve.
Reply
Lisa Rickli
December 6, 2012 at 2:03 am
Steve was a great friend and a very kind and sincere person. I have many wonderful memories of Steve from high school which I will cherish.He even drove me down to Tennessee to visit a classmate years ago. Whenever I saw him the last few years he always had his daughter Chelsea with him, He would always tell me about her and I could instantly tell how much he loved being a loving and devoted father to her. His loyalty to his work was amazing. He loved it and took it very seriously. He will be sadly missed.
Rest in Peace dear friend Steve.
Lisa Rickli
Otsego, Michigan
Reply
Patti (Khodl) Hewitt
December 6, 2012 at 11:28 am
So sorry to read of your loss. I remember Steve when working at Pipp. He was kind, quick to reassure patients, always ready with a quick wit and ready smile, very forthright personally and professionally. Am sure he will be missed greatly by family, friends and co-workers.
Sincerely,
Reply
Jennifer Enos
December 6, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Steve was a great man. He meant a lot to our two daughters – Madison and Faith (friends of Chelsea’s). He went above and beyond to make the summers fun for the girls when they would hang out together. Our girls have wonderul memories that they will carry throughout their live’s; from the Michigan’s Adventure trip, coming home late with ice cream on their faces to the multiple times the girls played in the Stevenson backyard. In all my 36 years, I have never met a man as wonderful as he was. Karen and Chelsea were his world. He will be very much missed by many within the community. My heart goes out to Karen and Chelsea during this time. I pray Steve is at peace as he served his life to the fullest and is now at rest with our Lord Almighty.
Sincery,
Jason and Jennifer
Reply
Dave Betz
December 6, 2012 at 5:04 pm
He will be missed by all.
Have so many memories from the 25+ years we worked together. From Mall City, Plainwell EMS and Mercy/AMR. His distinct deep voice is one that you could never mix up with anyone elses. From grilling steaks/potato’s at B9 from Big Top, poker nights and NOT being one of his favorites at 4am when I would wake him for a transfer. I haven’t seen many since I left EMS 4 years ago except for Steve. Always a handshake, a smile and a few minutes from both of us as we filled each other in on what’s been up.
It was an honor to have been given the opportunity to know you all these years and I am sure you are shedding a tear when you look down upon us and see just how many people’s lives you have touched in your short time here.
BETZ
Reply
Captain Keith Redlin
December 6, 2012 at 10:41 pm
On behalf of the officers and firefighters of the Brown City MI Fire and Rescue, we send our sincere condolences to the family and fire family of captain Stevenson. Rest In Peace brother.
Reply
DeEtte L English
December 6, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Well where do I start? The first time I met Steve he was responding to a medical with OFD, as I was on the ambulance and he asked me if We were an ambulance of course me being new I just said “yes sir” he said you can call me yes sir all you want but bring the first in bag every time, are you dumb?” Wow did I ever learn from this! ( I was the junior and this was my partners idea, but he didn’t know that I took the heat. Yep next call no red bag and boy did we need it, he stood behind me and said “I told you so” I’ve been doing this since you were born I didn’t get these grey hairs over night! Anyways the knowledge, the skill and most of all his compassion to serve a community for more than 1/2 of his life! I ask “what are we going to do without him yelling at us?” I pray for Karen and Chelsea daily as he loved those ladies more than anything! They were his world! Karen as you read this please remember he loved you girls more than anything, he loved his jobs from being a medic, ff, husband, dad and so many more titles to list, ok garbage man, Plummer, spider catcher etc….. Take care of Chelsea and yourself and as you already know if you need something call Brett or I, the ambulance base or the fire dept! I’m sure he knows well take care of you girls! Xoxo
Reply
Roxy Reed
December 7, 2012 at 3:28 am
I have so many memories of Steve hanging out at the Fire station running calls play poker in the barn , watching him clean and remodel his house.
His distinct voice.
Karen and Chelsea you and all of the Stevenson family have my sincere condolences.
Roxy Reed
Colorado Springs Colorado
Reply
Diane Berger
December 7, 2012 at 10:27 am
While I work with Karen and don’t know Steve, it is clear that he spent his life serving others. What a great gift he gave to the world and we have lost a hero. My prayers for Karen, Chelsea, and the rest of his family and circle of friends who will surely miss him. May the memories of his goodness sustain and comfort you.
Reply
Tim and Jessica Richards
December 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Devestated to hear of Steve’s passing. Great guy with great humor and caring and commitment to his community. Will be missed. Heart goes out to you Karen! Love to your family
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Craig, Kathy and Kaylynn Nelson
December 7, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Karen and Chelsea, so very sorry for your loss and this difficult, difficult time. Steve was such a great guy and a super neighbor. I remember the first time I met him, a car fire in my driveway and talk about a first responder! I barely got off the phone with 911 and he was there, working to put out the fire. I asked him “how the heck did you get here so fast?” and he responded “Man, I just live right there!” pointing at his house. Comforting to know we had such great neighbors. He is and will continue to be missed. RIP Steve.
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Paula Buelow
December 7, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Dear Karen and Chelsea,
I work for AMR and call on all the facilities that we service in West Michigan. Many of the people who work at the facilities have contacted me to tell me how they knew Steve and how much he will be missed. They all have offered their thoughts and prayers for you and his family, and Steve’s AMR and Fire Dept families.
Steve was a great co-worker; his upbeat attitude and smile, willingness to help, confidence, and his love for his team made him a standout supervisor. I pray that you will always feel the love that Steve so freely and frequently expressed for both of you.
Reply
Matthew Harry
December 7, 2012 at 8:05 pm
To the Stevenson family. I want to share my sympathy with Karen and Chelsea along with Steve’s parents and brothers. You certainly have lost a lot and I stand beside you with any needs I am capable of assisting you with.
I have had the priviledge of working with Steve for 15 years now. From mutual aid when he was working ambulance in Plainwell and I was working in Allegan, to working under him on the Otsego Fire Department to having him be one of my supervisors at AMR, we encountered each other frequently. I will miss the camraderie of working together with Steve to serve our communities.
I will continue to remember Steve for his skills as a paramedic, his way of clearly communicating his feelings, his Santa outfit, and his way of driving an ambulance in a manner that made me close my eyes and hang on praying silently! (Although we ALWAYS arrived there safely.)
Steve won’t be soon forgotten and I’m sure he will be spoken of fondly and frequently for many years by those of us who knew him.
Karen and Chelsea, you will be in my family’s prayers tonight and into the future. May God give you the peace that only He is able.
Reply
Brenda Boulter-Try
December 7, 2012 at 9:37 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Steve from the Otsego highschool swim team. Steve always gave his all to the sport of swimming and to his team mates. Sending our sincere condolences to the family and friends. Brenda
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Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ray
December 8, 2012 at 1:16 am
Love You Steve For ever. He always had time for family.He loved old picture of our Family.He would call and say do you have more pictures. He would send Rose to me when I was sick, He was good to Grandma Stevenson and was their for at the of her life, His mom & Dad he loved so very much. What a Family, I remmber 4th of Julys at the family home and each one better the last one, Steve loved life and the lost is hard to get through. But as a FAMILY we some how will make it. He LOVED KAREN so much.and her Family also.CHELSEA was also the LOVE his life. How did one Man do so much for all ,we will never Know. KAREN & CHELSEA We love too if need use we are here.to my SISTER & BROTHER, We Love you and your FAMILY How do you put all the years we had together when are hearts are broken now.to my God we need you now. SIs I LOVE YOU RAy & Joyce
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Todd Chassee
December 8, 2012 at 7:05 am
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Steve for the past several years. He was not only an excellent paramedic, but also a great man. He also had a light hearted side that was greatly appreciated. Many of my partners have commented that Christmas won’t be the same in the Butterworth ED without Steve and his Santa hat. Our condolences to all of his family.
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Wendy Hendricks Moyer
December 8, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I am so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He was one of the nicest, funniest people I ever knew and I will always have fond memories of him. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Rest in peace, dearest Steve.
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Susanne Hamilton (Stevenson)
December 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I just want to express my deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of their son, brother husband and father…It’s been many years since I’ve seen Steve and the family but I do remember what a nice young man he was and that he had a great sense of humor. He has left his mark on many hearts! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Lonzey Taylor
December 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm
To the family of Steve, I am sorry for your lost. I worked with Tom his father for many years at Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, Mi. and I am a fire man and EMT. May the lord be with you in your time of need.
Capt.Lonzey Taylor
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Kraig timmer
December 9, 2012 at 8:45 am
I met Steve in 2002 when he was my instructor for Firefighter I&II. Over the years, I had Steve as an instructor for several classes. His entheusiasm & quick witted character were always good for a few laughs.
Steve was as he put it a “da** good instructor” & played a role in my decision to become an instructor myself. I hope to be half as good as you my friend.
Blessings to the family, coworkers & friends.
Kraig Timmer
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Bernie Brunett
December 9, 2012 at 9:05 am
Karen, Chelsea and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss and my friend Steve. Steve was my former Allegan County Emergency Management Partner. His knowledge and experience made my job so much easier. The City of Otsego, Allegan County and Southwest Michigan has lost a very talented and dedicated Person.
May God be with Steve, and Bless his Family and Friends.
Bernard Brunett
Bay City, MI
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Charlie and Pam McQueer
December 9, 2012 at 11:44 am
It was a pleasure having Steve in our lives, in his prsence he always had us laughing with his wonderful stories. He had a personality that was unique. Although many of us knew him best for his jokes and stories, his true blessings were watching him with Karen and Chelsea. His love for both of them was immense, his pride in having them in their lives was projected in his wonderful smile and glow that illuminated his face. If ever anyone witnessed him as a EMT or Fireman then they witnessed a very dedicated man in his fields, He will forever live on in our hearts and in our minds and his loss will always be a reminder of precious life is. Rest in Peace Steve.
Charlie and Pam McQueer
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LT. Alfonso and Kenda Cartagena
December 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Our sincere condolences for you and your family. Thank you for your service to serve others. The community will greatly miss you. God Bless your family.
Lt. Alfonso and Kenda Cartagena
Constantine Fire Department
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KEN AND TONI COBURN
December 9, 2012 at 6:24 pm
You were my back-yard neighbor growing up, my friend when we were on the OFD together and the best friend to all you knew. We will keep you in our thoughts and pray for the loved ones you leave behind. Will see you later…………………..peace
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Pam Hopkins
December 9, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Dear Paula and Family – I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son Steve. He sounds like a wonderful person and very highly respected. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you and his family at this time of sorrow and grief. May God be with you all and grant you His Peace in your hearts.
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Joseph D Munger
December 11, 2012 at 11:58 am
sorry for your loss
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Maeilyn Welcher & Jerry Fenner
December 11, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Thinking of Steve,s family and his extended family.
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Mark Bruning
December 11, 2012 at 2:29 pm
On behalf of American Medical Response and more than 16,000 caregivers across the US and especially those EMS and Fire Department colleagues of Steve’s in Michigan, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to his family at his passing. Not only did Steve live his entire life in service to others as a firefighter and paramedic, but he passed away doing what he loved while caring for people in need in a distant community devastated by nature far from his own home – and that is the legacy of selfless devotion to others that he leaves behind. Spencer Kimball once said that “God does watch over us and does notice us, but it usually through someone else that he meets our needs.” Steve was that “someone” for countless people throughout his career and he will continue watching over his family and friends and “meeting their needs” from a different place. He will be missed greatly, but never forgotten. God Bless his family, friends, co-workers and everyone he knew and loved and loved him in return.
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Greg Cassidy
December 12, 2012 at 9:11 am
My thoughts and prayers to Steve’s Family.
I first met Steves back in 2000 when I was going through Firefighter I &II as part of the Allegan fire academy. He was the program director/ lead instructor.
I remember that he was the most interesting instructor and always had the best practical advice (and storys)!
For many years after there was hardly a fire that I went to that I didn’t hear his words of advice echoing in my head.
In the following years, whenever I ran into Steve it was as if I was talking to an old friend even though it might have been a couple of years since we last saw each other.
He will be missed…
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Kathy Cross
December 12, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Tom and Paula, so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how you must feel with the loss of your son. He seemed to be such an accomplished man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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Pandy Chiddister
December 14, 2012 at 8:25 am
Karen
Sorry to hear that you have lost Steve. He was a great guy.
We always looked forward to him coming to teach First-aid and CPR. He was always so fun! You and Chelsea are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Judy 'Flegal' Shumaker
August 9, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Paula. I am so sorry that you lost your son back in December. I saw your sister, Pat, tonight (8-9-13) at a class reunion get together and she told me about Steve being your son. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. Such a tragedy. I remember reading the coverage in the papers at the time but did not realize who he was until tonight. My thoughts are with you and I am sending you my most sincere sympathy. Please take care. May your special memories help you through your grief in the coming years.
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