Steve DeWitt

Steve DeWitt was a generous man through and through. He always put others first. He lived his life giving much of his time and resources selflessly to anyone in need. Although he will be deeply missed, his loving nature will be fondly remembered for many years to come.

The 1950s were known as the decade of the baby boomer. After the Korean War ended, the average worker was earning $3,400 per year, three out of five families owned a car, and more than half of families owned televisions in their homes. On December 7, 1953, Gordon “Jack” DeWitt and Dorothy (DeBoer) DeWitt welcomed home their son, Steven Jack, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second of five children, Steve was very close with his brothers, with sister, Jill.

Growing up in Sparta, Steve lived a typical childhood of the times. He and his three brothers found their fair share of mischief during their growing years. At a young age, it was apparent that Steve was a deep thinker, planner, and problem solver. He enjoyed his time in the Boy Scouts and nearly earned his recognition as an Eagle Scout. While attending Sparta High School, he played tennis and basketball. Steve was agile and able to play on the varsity team as a freshman. He and his dad often fished during these developing years. Fishing and hunting would became lifelong passions for him. Steve was a hard worker and worked for an apple storage company and company while he was in school until after graduation. He attended Ferris State College for a short time and realized it was more financially responsible to enter the world of work.

With the help of his parents, he started DeWitt Packaging, which he grew into an established business which still thrives today. Steve’s vibrant personality and ability to work with people led him to be quite successful. He was a natural at engaging with others and building relationships that, at times, led to lasting friendships. Steve enjoyed bringing clients to his "reason room", which was his sample room and explain that this was the reason they were in business. He enjoyed solving issues with creative packaging designs. Steve always saw the good in others and offered them genuine advice and guidance in the early stages of their careers. Nothing brought him greater satisfaction than watching people achieve their dreams. In his time, Steve began focusing on training others in the company. He was good at seeing potential, both in people and also opportunities. He enjoyed creating a company that could thrive and later found success in land development.

In addition to his career, Steve held many special pastimes. He loved hunting and fishing and was known for building elaborate deer blinds. He even traveled to hunt in other states across the US. He was an avid golfer for many years. Active and always on the go, Steve also loved to play racquetball! When it came to professional sports, he loved his Detroit Tigers baseball and enjoyed an annual family outing via a charter bus to a game! He was always up for a good time! Steve was thrilled to be reunited with Michele McCready, the love of his life. They spent the last twelve years together enjoying one another’s company and being generous hosts to their special friends and family. Steve also loved his dogs. They were always special companions. Above all else, Steve loved life! He had a zest for making the most of each day and held a positive outlook on life. He was always there to share a story, tell a joke, or lift others' spirits.

Recently, he struggled with health issues. Sadly, he is gone, and he will forever be remembered for his commitment to helping others through his many special gifts of love and acts of sacrifice to provide for them over the years. May his many special friends and loved ones never doubt his love for them, and may his memories live on in their hearts forevermore.

Steven Jack DeWitt, age 71, of Alaska, Michigan, passed away on April 7, 2025. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon DeWitt and Dorothy DeWitt. He is survived by the love of his life, Michele McCready; his siblings, Bill DeWitt, David DeWitt, Gordon DeWitt, and Jill DeWitt; nieces and nephews; and his two labs, Bubba and Pinky.

All are invited to join in celebrating Steve’s life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The service will begin at 6 PM with a time of sharing, followed immediately by an informal time of gathering until 9 PM. Following Steve’s generosity, he would encourage that in place of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to either CSnip or Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. To share a memory or photo or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.