Steven Carl VanderMolen

Steven Carl VanderMolen, 63, of Stevensville, Michigan, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, with Father Thomas McNally officiating.  A private inurnment will take place at a later time at Hickory Bluff Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 5 PM until 6:45 PM on Monday, May 8, 2017, with a prayer service beginning at 6:45 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Those wishing to sign Steven’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Steve was born May 18, 1953 to Garret and Patricia (Boyd) VanderMolen in Kalamazoo.  He graduated from Olivet College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies. On July 10, 1974, he married Francie Allen in St. Joseph. Steve loved to help others. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Steve regularly guarded the Adoration Chapel. He mentored students from Benton Harbor in reading and built relationships with many kids. In his career, Steve helped countless people purchase their first homes. Steve set an example for all who knew him. He believed in the power of education, a strong family, and doing the right thing. Family and friends will remember him for many sayings, but the one that stood above all others was “stay positive.” In the face of a leukemia diagnosis, Steve showed us the meaning of this phrase. Above all, Steve was a family man. He valued quality time with the people closest to him, from backyard pool parties, to Michigan State football games and playing golf with friends and family. He called his wife Francie his rock, was never shy about his pride in his children, and loved being Papa to his grandchildren. He considered his family his greatest blessing, and often talked about how thankful he was that his family remained close through the years. Steve is survived by his wife, Francie; daughters, Kristen (Mike) Hurd of Royal Oak and Kimber Sotnyk of St. Joseph; son, Kevin (Hilary) VanderMolen of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Drew Sotnyk, Morgan Hurd, Claire and Maeve VanderMolen; father, Garret VanderMolen of Kalamazoo; brother, Scott (Barb)VanderMolen of Schoolcraft; and sister, Jane (Roger) Bass of Paw Paw. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia.