Stephen Pokora

Stephen Gerard Pokora, husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend went home to Our Lord on October 4, 2008 following a brief but hard fought battle with brain cancer. Steve was surely welcomed at the Gates by his Guardian Angels and grandparents Walter and Mary Pokora and John and Elizabeth Lewakowski. Steve, a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, was 45 years old, a graduate of West Catholic H.S., class of 1981 and a member of St. Alphonsus Church. Steve will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend, Stasia; his children, Christopher and Nicholas; and step-children, Brianna Aardema and Carlos Salas. Steve's life is celebrated by his parents, Norman and Cecile Pokora; his sisters, Michelle (Emily Zyla) Pokora and Liz (Howard) Sadowsky; mother and father-in-law, Alan and Gloria Wibalda; and brother-in-law, Marc (Sue) Wibalda. Steve is also remembered by his nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, "favorite" cousin; extended family; Godparents, Robert Pokora and Bonnie Jean Randall; dear friends, and Kingma's Market co-workers. "The Cookie Man" will be missed by the entire Grand Rapids community. A Memorial Celebration Mass for Steve will take place on Tuesday, October 7th at noon at St. Alphonsus Church, 224 Carrier St. N.E., with Father Denis Ryan CSsR presiding. The family will be available one hour prior to Mass at the back of Church. A gathering in celebration of Steve's life will take place immediately following in the St. Alphonsus Auditorium. Donations in memory of Steve may be made to the St. Alphonsus Capital Campaign. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf