John David Steffens Died Sept. 10, 2016

John David Steffens

“JD”

September 10, 2016

SUTTONS BAY – John David “JD” Steffens, 45, of Suttons Bay, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016.

John was born on May 3, 1971 in Alamogordo, New Mexico, the son of Harry Steffens and Sandra Steffens Newman.

His early years were spent in California where he played baseball, soccer, and was active in Scouting.  He moved to Ohio for his high school years.  John graduated from Springboro High School where he was the Squadron Commander in the ROTC.  He attended Wright State University and Sinclair Community College and later graduated from Northwestern Michigan College with a degree in Criminal Justice.

On March 1, 1992 he married Vicki Kent from Traverse City.  Their married years were spent in Amasa, MI, operating the Rusty Sawblade tavern and restaurant.  From 2000-2005, John worked for FEMA as an emergency housing inspector and immediate responder to declared national disasters.  He later returned to Suttons Bay and became the General Manager of the VI Grill.  From 2009 to present, John worked at Leelanau Motor Sports in Omena and the Livingston Farms in Suttons Bay.  He was especially proud of a 1976 Jeep Wagoneer which he helped to completely restore which made the cover of Petersen’s 4 Wheel & Off Road magazine.

John was an avid sportsman and loved fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, boating, snowmobiling.  He was a talented carpenter and handyman.  He was loved by all who knew him.  He was kind, generous, and always had a smile for everyone. 

John was a father to Christopher and Loryn Steffens and Brayden Pouzar.  He is survived by his parents; brother, Michael; sister, Sarah; stepbrother, Barry Newman; stepsister, Jennifer Stevens; two nieces, Taralyn Fasel and Lexi DeMercurio; aunts and uncles, Don Steffens, Laura Johnson, Patty Steffens, Karen Steffens, Elizabeth and Wayne Neff, and Rosalie and Glen Herman; and many cousins and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.  Burial will be at East Leland Cemetery with a celebration dinner to follow at the Leland Lodge.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

An additional memorial service will be held in the U.P. at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Third Level Crisis Services, 1022 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or to Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire & Rescue, PO Box 240, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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