Bruce Steketee

Bruce Michael Steketee was taken from us unexpectedly January 18, 2022.  He was born December 11, 1942, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Fred and Teresa (Bruhn) Steketee. He is survived by the love of his life, Reina Dekoff Steketee (married 52 years), and his sweet, adopted animal companion Sophie.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, brother Rick Steketee, devoted friend and brother in-law Charles “Chuck” Stanfield, cherished sister in-law and brother in-law Don and Anneke Hart. Bruce was survived by his brother Dennis Steketee and his family from Tennessee. His sister Cheryl Swail (Clark Swail III) from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who tragically passed three days later from medical issues. We ask that you keep her husband Clark Swail III, in your prayers as he copes with the loss of this magnificent woman. Catharina Dekoff Stanfield and her daughters: Kristen (Roger) Gauthier and her children (Alexandria and Riley, Emily, Catalyn), Kimberly (Robert) Thompson, and Jennifer Schmidt and her son (Cornelius). Johan (Patricia) Dekoff and their children: Nicholas (Sara Beth) Dekoff and children, and Alisha (Bryan) Cederberg and daughter. William (Nancy) DeKoff and their children: Melissa DeKoff, Matthew (Zoe) DeKoff and daughter, and Jonathon DeKoff. Herbert (Teresa) DeKoff and children: Michael DeKoff and his children, and Michele (Caleb) Scheenstra and son. Joanne (Scott) Bienke and their daughters. Arend (Amy) Hart and their children. Wendy Hart and her daughter. Beloved cousins Annette (Denise) Van Alphen and Willem (Rose) VanHemert and their children. As well as many family friends, and neighbors.

Bruce suffered from blindness due to his diabetes, yet he still volunteered for the food pantry at Bethany Reformed Church. He loved volunteering there and always returned home with a full heart and a story to share. His limited eyesight did not stop him from his favorite past time of stock market trading using his computer, video eye, and a 42” monitor. Bruce loved ice cream, jazz, country music, and was a talented architect and builder of custom designer homes. He liked going to breakfast with his pals from church and visiting with other veterans during appointments at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.

A Service will be at 11am on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001. There will also be a final committal service at Fort Custer National Cemetery where his remains will be interred. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Bruce’s memory to Bethany Reformed Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or Gryphon Place.

“Loss is a terrible thing it so grieves the heart. As Christian brothers and sisters, we grieve alongside anyone who suffers loss. Unexpected loss and tragedy are even more difficult, because one goes through shock; another mountain of difficulties to deal with. While we never fully know why a person ends his or her life, we can turn to prayer for comfort. Through prayer we can voice our pain, loss, anger, and confusion. In prayer, we must also remember to lift up those who battle depression, isolation, and hopelessness. Everyone is fighting a battle of their own, some visible, some not. Let us remember to be kind and to pray for others.”  Pastor David Zomer, Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Bruce's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Steketee family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. (269)344-5600.