Stephen "Steve" Wilcox

Through the life of Stephen Wilcox, we were truly blessed in many ways. He possessed a vitality about living that was infectious and with his adventurous spirit, he was more than willing to try anything once. He carried himself with unwavering strength and even when faced with the fight for his life, Steve never shied away from giving everything his all. There was nothing more precious in his life than his family and with the love of his life by his side, Steve drank in so much of what life has to offer. Although he seemed to be made of steel on the outside, he was a big teddy bear on the inside and as his friends and loved ones can attest, Steve was more than willing to give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. With what would seem to be so many years in which to live and love, his bright light was extinguished much too soon.

It seems only fitting that Steve’s story begins during a time that was as colorful as he was. The decade that became known as the Nifty Fifties introduced us to the sounds of rock ‘n roll with greats like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis and with shows such as I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best, the American family was forever changed. It was on July 21, 1951, that Stephen Micheal was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Elton “Jim” and Lillian (Loftus) Wilcox, and was the second oldest of five children in his family including his siblings, Beverly, Jean, Carol, and Pat. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he called the area home throughout his entire life and attended local schools. Steve knew he was going places even as a young boy as he referred to himself as “Super Steve!”

For his education Steve attended local schools including Portage Central where he played baseball for the school team. This developed a lifelong love for the game within Steve as he played softball for many years as an adult. During his summer vacations, he would go out west and work on combines cutting wheat. He graduated from high school in 1970 and began working for various companies installing sheet metal for heating and air conditioning.

Steve was blessed with four daughters from a previous marriage; Michelle, Melynda, Melanie and Melissa and in 1989 Steve married his sweetheart, MaryLynn which resulted in the birth of Monique. His daughters were his greatest source of pride and joy and when his family grew to include 11 grandchildren, he couldn’t have been happier. Throughout their married life, Steve and MaryLynn demonstrated what marriage is truly intended to be. They deeply loved each other and respected each other, too, and the times they spent together were some of Steve’s most favorite memories. Since Steve loved going to Las Vegas, they went there together at least once a year, and they also went on 11 cruises.

As the years went by, Steve was a man of many interests. He loved going snowmobiling in upper Michigan, and he would take trips that lasted weeks at a time even extending into Canada. Mushroom hunting was another favorite activity at the family's property, and he enjoyed going white water rafting in West Virginia. When he was at home Steve was often tinkering in his garage, and he knew his way around the kitchen as well. It could be argued that he made the biggest and best breakfast in the world, but no one ever wanted to be the one who cleaned up after him. His German chocolate cake was another favorite around his house, and there was nothing like Steve’s homegrown tomatoes. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2303 in Three Rivers and also liked bowling, hunting, listening to the golden oldies, and collecting coins.

Life dealt Steve and his loved ones a difficult blow when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about eight months ago. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knew Steve that he bravely fought his diagnosis and courageously gave it everything he had. He quickly developed a bucket list of sorts that consisted of things he wanted to complete around the house. He set to work right away and was able to complete most of what he wanted to do including making sure that his daughter, Monique and grandson Brayton, knew how to make his famous German chocolate cake. Steve was thrilled that he was able to get up to the family property one last time, and this trip was such a special journey for him.

Stephen Wilcox taught us through the way he spent his days that life is truly what we make of it. Never content to sit back and let life pass him by, Steve experienced everything he did to the fullest. When he loved, he did so completely, and he was always looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Known for his strength, his honesty, and his unconditional love, Steve will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Stephen M. Wilcox of Vicksburg died on May 29, 2011. Steve’s family includes his wife, MaryLynn; five children: Michelle (Bryan) Aldrich, of NC; Melynda (Tony) Wilcox, of NC; Melanie (Scott) Weaver, of Kalamazoo; Melissa (Jeff) Snyder, of NC; and Monique (Kyle) Noble, of Vicksburg; 11 grandchildren: Brayton, Kalden, Keely, Keagen, Jayden, Devon, Trystan, Dkameion, Dante, Harland, and Evan; sisters: Beverly Whalen, of OR; Jean Harrison, of Las Vegas, NV; Carol (Carlos) Zuniga, of Kalamazoo; and Pat (Dean Frantz) Wilcox, of Vicksburg. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Elton “Jim” and Lillian Wilcox. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 2nd from 6-9 p.m. at the Longbranch Saloon, 606 Spruce Street Vicksburg. A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, June 3rd at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church 936 Lake Street, Kalamazoo. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg (649-1697). Please visit Steve’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online and leave a favorite memory or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to the family.