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Stephen Wright Obituary
Stephen Albert Hamilton Wright, age 56, died unexpectedly in a car crash on June 26th, 2014.
He was born in Flint, MI on July 14th, 1957 to Sanford and Anna Wright. He graduated from Alma College in 1979 and from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1983. He received his PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2000.
Stephen was ordained as a minister of the word and sacrament of the Presbyterian Church in 1983 in his home church in Alpena, MI. He served in the Pioneer Parish in the Northwestern, WI from 1983-1989, Old Hickory Presbyterian Church in Tennessee from 1989-1992, First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba, MI from 1992-2002, and as head of staff at First Presbyterian Church in Wausau from 2002 to January 15, 2013. He joined as a partner with People First, a human resources consulting firm in WI in 2013.
Stephen married Katherine Anne Hamilton in 1979. They have three children, Dylan age 27 (Ashley), Aaron age 23 (Chelsea Stapleton), and Anna, age 19. In addition to his family, Stephen loved sailing, learning, Jimmy Buffet, and battling raccoons.
He is survived by his wife and children, his parents, and his sisters Donna Boman (Richard), and Kathryn Applegate (Jay).
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 7, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church on Monday.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church or Church World Service.
Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Wright
Tina Hamel Myers
August 17, 2014
Dearest Katherine and family, I just learned of Stephen's passing. I am so sorry for your deep loss of his presence here in this life. I was always so touched by his devotion as a husband and father. My love and prayers are with you.
Beth Bartelt
July 21, 2014
I met Stephen through the Wausau Breakfast Roundtable networking group and we talked several times after that. He was a positive business contributor and always had a great sense of humor as well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Stephen...you will be missed among your fellow business colleagues.
Valerie gondek
July 10, 2014
Dear Katherine and family,
I was shocked and very sorry to hear that Stephen passed away. Back in college I always enjoyed his visits, and more recently, looked forward to reading his thoughtful and entertaining facebook posts. He clearly was a great husband and father. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and prayers at this very sad time. May he rest in peace. Much love to you all, Valerie
Elizabeth White
July 4, 2014
Katherine and family - Please accept my deepest condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Renee Ouradnik
July 3, 2014
Katherine and family - May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
July 1, 2014
Rev. Dr. Stephen Wright,
Ten years ago you helped our family through a very difficult time in our lives. You were our rock. You prayed with us and stayed with us when we needed comfort. The typed homily you had written and read at mom's service, sits laminated on our coffee table. The words you said after each service will forever be with me. I thank God for having you cross my path in this earthly life. And now I pray that God will bring peace and comfort to your family and friends.
Coach Tobin
July 1, 2014
Always with a story, and a lesson in life. A smile and guiding word.
Leo Jacoby
June 30, 2014
My life crossed with Stephen's at shared downtown church activties, Naomi meetings and his helping to launch St. Anthony Spirituality Center into a new chapter. I so admired Stephen's openness to others, his creativity and openness to go where the Lord led him. Now, he is called home, and we will miss him.
- Leo Jacoby
First United Methodist Church staff
greg corsten
June 30, 2014
bon voyage stephen
Roger and Sherry Wunsch
June 29, 2014
Katherine and family,please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.May God comfort you and keep you in his care.
Rev. Janet Wolfe
June 28, 2014
As a colleague in ministry, I was shocked to learn of Steve's sudden passing. I have visited the church occasionally and talked with him at presbytery many times. I admire his stance for justice and peace for all kinds of people. May you be comforted in the knowledge that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God is with us in life and in death and was undoubtedly at his side as the car crashed. (Former pastor, FPC, Arpin, now retired and living in Marshfield.)
Per and April Greibrok
June 28, 2014
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts.
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