Stephen James Mach, 79, passed away on November 12, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington after a brief illness. Born on October 21, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Steve lived a life marked by service, curiosity, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Raised in a vibrant Polish American family in East Detroit, Steve was the son of Casmere and Elizabeth (Mette) Mach. He carried with him fond memories of his upbringing and the strong familial bonds that shaped his early years. At the age of 19, during the Vietnam Era, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. There he served in communications and earned the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, Steve embarked on a memorable road trip across the United States with his girlfriend Molly Lawless and army buddy John Singer—a journey that would eventually lead him to settle in the Pacific Northwest.
Steve pursued higher education at Western Washington University in Bellingham, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. His professional career began with the National Credit Union Administration as a special actions auditor. Though headquartered in Hawaii, his work took him over the Pacific region—to Montana, Alaska, Washington State, Samoa, and other Pacific islands—reflecting both his adventurous spirit and dedication to public service.
Later in life, Steve returned to Bellingham where he continued his career at Western Washington University. He served first as a budget analyst and then as Dean's assistant at Fairhaven College before retiring. His colleagues appreciated his diligence and warmth; he brought integrity and good humor to every role he held.
A passionate gardener throughout his life, Steve planted thousands of trees across the many places he called home. He was an early advocate for organic gardening and one of the founding members of the Bellingham Food Coop in the 1970s. Whether cultivating vegetables or creating bird-friendly sanctuaries filled with flowers and fruit trees, Steve found joy—and spiritual fulfillment—in nurturing life from soil to bloom. In some chapters of his life he even raised goats and chickens, further deepening his bond with nature.
Steve's spirituality was rooted not only in his Catholic upbringing but also in his reverence for growth and renewal through gardening. He believed deeply in planting seeds—both literal and metaphorical—as acts of hope and transformation.
He is survived by his beloved wife Jean Freestone of Bellingham; stepdaughter Mary Graham; step-grandson Graham Greenfield of Everett; dear sister Kathy Chwilka; brothers Allan Mach, Raymond Mach, and Jeffrey Mach—all residing near Detroit. Though separated by distance, these family ties remained strong throughout Steve's life.
Known for his boundless energy and friendliness, Steve made lasting friendships wherever he went—from Washington State to Texas' Rio Grande Valley where he owned property. Children were especially drawn to him; he cherished being "Grandpa" to young Graham Greenfield during his early years. To Pablo and Diego—the children of friends Ixchel and Francisco from San Luis Potosí, MX—he was affectionately known as "Grandpa Gringo." And he was "Uncle Steve" to many nieces and nephews.
In honor of Steve's lifelong commitment to compassion and community well-being, donations may be made to Catholic Charities USA.
May Stephen James Mach's memory continue to inspire all who knew him—to plant seeds of kindness wherever they go.
Raised in a vibrant Polish American family in East Detroit, Steve was the son of Casmere and Elizabeth (Mette) Mach. He carried with him fond memories of his upbringing and the strong familial bonds that shaped his early years. At the age of 19, during the Vietnam Era, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. There he served in communications and earned the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, Steve embarked on a memorable road trip across the United States with his girlfriend Molly Lawless and army buddy John Singer—a journey that would eventually lead him to settle in the Pacific Northwest.
Steve pursued higher education at Western Washington University in Bellingham, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. His professional career began with the National Credit Union Administration as a special actions auditor. Though headquartered in Hawaii, his work took him over the Pacific region—to Montana, Alaska, Washington State, Samoa, and other Pacific islands—reflecting both his adventurous spirit and dedication to public service.
Later in life, Steve returned to Bellingham where he continued his career at Western Washington University. He served first as a budget analyst and then as Dean's assistant at Fairhaven College before retiring. His colleagues appreciated his diligence and warmth; he brought integrity and good humor to every role he held.
A passionate gardener throughout his life, Steve planted thousands of trees across the many places he called home. He was an early advocate for organic gardening and one of the founding members of the Bellingham Food Coop in the 1970s. Whether cultivating vegetables or creating bird-friendly sanctuaries filled with flowers and fruit trees, Steve found joy—and spiritual fulfillment—in nurturing life from soil to bloom. In some chapters of his life he even raised goats and chickens, further deepening his bond with nature.
Steve's spirituality was rooted not only in his Catholic upbringing but also in his reverence for growth and renewal through gardening. He believed deeply in planting seeds—both literal and metaphorical—as acts of hope and transformation.
He is survived by his beloved wife Jean Freestone of Bellingham; stepdaughter Mary Graham; step-grandson Graham Greenfield of Everett; dear sister Kathy Chwilka; brothers Allan Mach, Raymond Mach, and Jeffrey Mach—all residing near Detroit. Though separated by distance, these family ties remained strong throughout Steve's life.
Known for his boundless energy and friendliness, Steve made lasting friendships wherever he went—from Washington State to Texas' Rio Grande Valley where he owned property. Children were especially drawn to him; he cherished being "Grandpa" to young Graham Greenfield during his early years. To Pablo and Diego—the children of friends Ixchel and Francisco from San Luis Potosí, MX—he was affectionately known as "Grandpa Gringo." And he was "Uncle Steve" to many nieces and nephews.
In honor of Steve's lifelong commitment to compassion and community well-being, donations may be made to Catholic Charities USA.
May Stephen James Mach's memory continue to inspire all who knew him—to plant seeds of kindness wherever they go.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Mach, please visit our flower store.
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