Stephen Glen Poland

1939 - 2024

Stephen "Steve" Glen Poland
Ionia
May 8, 1939 - October 2, 2024
Stephen Glen Poland, age 85, of Ionia, MI passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 with his family by his side. He was born on May 8, 1939 at home in Lawrence County, Illinois, near Sumner. Upon returning to his home years later to show his family, all that remained was the bean field, thus began the family lore that he was born in a bean field. He was the son of Sherman O. Poland and Mary M. (Burbank) Poland.
He grew up in Illinois with a loving family wealthy in love, laughter and education despite lacking in financial riches during those difficult years. He and his sister attended a small school among a close knit community (proclaiming that they walked miles uphill both ways, of course.) His keen sense of humor was a characteristic that he inherited from his father and passed down to his children. His many childhood memories (good and bad) were often shared with his family and friends, explaining the development of his strong sense of looking out for others.
Steve worked hard to put himself through school. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Indiana in 1957. He went on to attend the University of Evansville in Indiana for his undergraduate and Masters degree. He then attended Michigan State University, followed by 18 months in the Peace Corps teaching in Kenya, Africa. Upon returning from Kenya, he attended Purdue University where he earned his PHD in Psychology.
On June 4, 1966 he married his partner for life, Sue Ann McKendry in Indianapolis, Indiana. His work in Corrections took them from Indiana to Michigan, Montana and Minnesota. Sue and Steve eventually settled in Ionia, Michigan to raise their 3 children. He had a lengthy career and retired from the (Ionia) Michigan Department of Corrections. He followed that up with 12 years of teaching Criminal Justice at Ferris State University. He was a member of the Michigan Education Association, Michigan Association of School Boards (serving on Ionia Public School Board as a member and president), American Psychological Association and the American Correctional Association.
Steve enjoyed traveling with his wife and family and they were fortunate enough to experience many destinations around the world. He taught his children and grandchildren the joys and benefits of diversity, resiliency and respect for others. He was a very calm and wise man who served as a mentor to many, never shying away from the exchange of stories and experiences. His career in Corrections helped shape his compassion for the world around him. He was and assured his friends and family that being "different" was a bonus in life. He was flexible yet ethical when it came to following rules and that combination of qualities often lead to him being not the most popular person in the room. His sense of fairness and strong principles always prevailed when it counted. He enjoyed serving his community, reading, working in his workshop, sailing, riding motorcycles and relaxing in the sun.
Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sue Poland of Ionia; children Renee (Pete) Fox of Ionia, Heather (Carl) Sizemore of Ionia and Jonathan (Cara) Poland of Alto; grandchildren, Fiona Sizemore, Sherman Poland and Eleanor Poland; sister, Arlene Naphy of Cullman, AL; former exchange student, whom he termed his" French daughter", Frédérique Alexandre and her daughter Romane; Sue's siblings and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 12-4pm at Steele Street Hall in Ionia, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Association, Heart Association, Faith Hospice, Ionia Community Library and or a tree can be planted in his memory. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home in Ionia. Online condolences can be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com