Stanley “Gene” Stephans of Holt, a 1957 Hopkins High School graduate, died Monday, Oct. 24. He was 77.
Gene, as he was known, was born to Howard and Betty (Broder) Stephans on May 4, 1939, in Grand Rapids. He served his country in the United States Navy, earning military honors. He was assigned to the USS Midway as an Aircraft Mechanic, on which he served four years, plus an extension of service during the Cuban Missile Crisis, stationed off the coast of Cuba.
Before his retirement, he worked as a high-low mechanic at Meijer Distribution Center until 2001.
Gene was a member of the Holt Moose Lodge, Holt Eagles, and the American Legion.
He is survived by his five daughters, Dawn Stephans of Sheridan, OR, Tracy (Mike) Allen of Diamondale, MI, Janet (Mike) Lowe of Raleigh, NC, Kristine (Steven) Cook of Dansville, MI, Laura (Steven) Bisel of Sterling Heights, MI; 11 grandchildren, Brenden, Amanda, Stephanie, Grant, Amy, Taylor, Hailei, Spencer, Skylar, Cameron, and Logan; great-grandson, Braeden; siblings, Linda (Mel) Stoepker, Howard “Skip” (Linda) Stephans, Diane (Larry) Reed, Denise (Tim) Connor, Betty (Mike) Gensler, brother-in-law, Gary Funk.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bonnie Funk.
Cremation has taken place according to his wishes. Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at Mason/Holt Eagles Lodge #3734, 1111 North Cedar Street, Mason, MI with an honor guard and luncheon following.
The family is being served by Tiffany Funeral Home.
