Steven Robert "Steve" Deming

Steven Robert "Steve" Deming of Hickory Corners, MI




Steve, age 61, went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2015, surrounded by his family.


Steve was born November 26, 1953 in Dowagiac, MI to George "Bob" and Frances (Nemeth) Deming. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1972, Southwest Michigan College in 1974 and Michigan State University in 1976.


On August 4, 1979, he married his beloved, Anna (Pletcher) in Hesperia, MI. In 1982 they moved to Hickory Corners where they raised their children and shared their life. He worked for over 25 years at Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station until retirement then did consultant work and established Hickory Haven Daylily Gardens.


Steve had many passions that led to a wide array of activities. His love of the outdoors led him to countless hours hiking in the woods to find waterfalls and flowers, usually with his camera and dogs in tow. He and Anna grew beautiful daylily gardens that would brighten anyone's day. He loved to watch birds, carving many beautiful decoys in his day. He spent many weeks each year in the U.P. – in the summer for family vacations, and each fall with his brothers and uncle to hunt. Many afternoons were spent on the lake fishing with family and friends, and he biked immeasurable miles on his bicycle with his buddies, even until his final months.


Steve loved his family dearly, engaging in his sons' pursuits and imparting his own wisdom and excitement for life. He was forever educating himself and applying that knowledge, whether through Bible study, computer programming manuals or best garden practice guides. Steve was also involved in many organizations that he cared about, including serving as elder for gracespring Bible Church and presiding over the Kalamazoo Area Daylily Society until recently.


His parents preceded Steve in death. He is survived by his devoted family: his wife Anna, of 35 years; sons Gavin (Joanna) and Brian, both of Pittsburgh, PA; two grandsons, Asher and Isaiah; his brothers Michael (LuAnna) Deming of Bruce Township and Victor Deming of Edwardsburg; nieces Stephanie Deming of South Bend, IN and Candice Patill of Chicago, IL; and uncle, James (Carol) Pierson of Stevensville. Also surviving are his dear in-laws: his mother-in-law Beverly Pletcher of Hesperia; brother-in-law Gary (Candi) Pletcher of Corunna; sisters-in-law Starr (Terry) Gleason of Hesperia; Judy (Dick) Wallis of Rockford; Robin (David) Luke of Ludington and Randi (Jim) Walker of Rush, KY; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dearest friends Mike and Rosie St. Clair, Doug and Tamara Homnick and Rob and Barb Baker meant the world to Steve, as did so many others.


The Funeral Service to celebrate Steve's life will be held on Friday, April 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the gracespring Bible Church, 8643 Gull Road, Richland, with Pastor Rob Cook, officiating. Immediately following the Service, family and friends will continue Steve's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Church. Steve's family will greet friends on Thursday, April 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute @ www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/celebration-garden.html, a favorite spot of Steve and Anna's to hike and snowshoe, in honor of Steve's deep love for God's creation; The International Waldenstroms Macroglobulonema Foundation @ www.iwmf.com/how-you-can-help/support-member-services-and-research, so that those with this cancer may continue to be supported; gracespring Bible Church's Response Ministry and the important support it is providing in its community or Kalamazoo Youth for Christ @ www.kalamazooyfc.org/get_invovlved/donate/, a local organization whose mission was dear to Steve's heart. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is in charge of the arrangements.