Ex-Wayland Schools’ band director Steve Working dies

Retired Wayland School Band Director Steve Working died Sunday, just a day short of his 80th birthday.

He was born on July 25, 1942, in Grand Rapids, to Lockwood and Lydia (Sears) Working. He grew up in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School in 1960.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marie (Allerding) Working, on Aug. 11, 1962.

He attended Western Michigan University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in music. He later obtained a teaching position for the Wayland Union Schools, where he taught both high school and junior high band for the next 30 plus years before retiring in 2003. He enjoyed teaching the young members of the community and always found joy in teaching his love of music.

He remained passionate about his music and could be heard still playing his trumpet as a member of the Otsego River City Band and the Holland American Legion Band. He also enjoyed his yearly camping trips to Manistee National Forest with family, along with fishing, hunting, gardening, and reading his Bible whenever possible.

Steve is survived by his wife, Marie; brother, Dale (Marcia) Working; son, Todd Working; daughter, Cheryl (Jeff) Hilbrand; daughter, Carrie (Rick) Spicer; six grandchildren Bethany (Richard) Briggs, Nick Foland, Trevor Foland, Katelyn Spicer, Alex Spicer, Jonathan Spicer; three great-grandchildren Scarlett Briggs, Leighton Briggs, and Bentley Spicer.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at United Church of Wayland, 411 E. Superior St., with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In memory of Steve, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: K.I.C.K. BRCA (www.kickbrca.org/donate).

1 Comment

  1. I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Workings
    Passing.

    He was my band teacher in the ’60’s.
    I really learned a lot from him. He was a nice young teacher who loved music. A good man and a great teacher. May he rest in peace.

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