Stephen E. Upton

Stephen Edward Upton – a man whose legacy will last forever – passed away peacefully in his wife's arms while surrounded by family on Dec. 27, 2022, at the age of 98.

He was a man who, without fail, prioritized his faith, family, community and country. His devotion to his beautiful wife, Elizabeth, of 71 years, is a true fairy tale of commitment, faithfulness and unconditional love. They held hands for more than seven decades through some of the most memorable historical events of this century: global conflicts spanning from World War II to the Global War on Terror; the space race and our first steps on the moon; multiple assassinations; the Civil Rights Movement; and technological advancements beyond comprehension.

Stephen and Elizabeth's steadfast love lives on through their five children and their spouses: Fred (Amey) of St. Joseph, Charles (Pat) of Tucson, Ariz., Michael (Kim) of Los Angeles, Elizabeth (Mark Bartels) of Cabot, Ark., and Jefferson (Shelley) of St. Joseph; and by their 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is now joyously reunited in heaven with his parents, Frederick and Margaret Upton, as well as his older brother, David, and younger sisters: Priscilla Upton Byrns and Sylvia Upton Wood.

Stephen's legacy was a true inspiration. He was passionate about his faith, family, athletics, community and country.

Faith: Stephen raised his family attending the First Congregational Church in St. Joseph and remained an active member all his life. Every week he listened to the beautiful organ donated by his parents in 1972. Its music has always felt transcendent from heaven – from where he will now be watching, worshipping, singing and dancing with us. His faith is where he drew his strong sense of morality, kindness, and motive to give back to those around him. Later in life, he and Elizabeth also deeply treasured the loving community at St. Simons Presbyterian Church in Georgia.

Family: Outside of his generosity and the highest standards of morality, ethics and loyalty, he instilled in his children and generations thereafter, he was a fun, active, involved and devoted leader of the family. He would recite the poem "Bessie's Boil" by Robert William Service to a room full of giggling grandchildren. His rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" every year held the room's attention without fail. He saved grandchildren from impending capsizing canoes by heroically jumping in the cold water. In addition to nurturing their own children, he and Elizabeth also opened their home to foster children for many years and loved them dearly. But his family did not just include his blood relatives or those in his home – it included his church family, his dear friends, the Southwest Michigan and St. Simons Island communities, and truly anyone blessed to be in his life. He treated everyone around him like family – and this level of sincerity and devotion was undoubtedly felt by all.

Athletics: Anyone who knew Stephen would know it would be irresponsible to neglect mentioning his love for competition and his beloved Chicago Cubs and Michigan Wolverines. He raised his family attending epic tailgates while cheering on many exciting wins, but also showed his impressive loyalty through the gut-wrenching losses (too many as he would say!). He also attended countless local football games at St. Joseph High School, ultimately helping to fund the field now named after him. Not only an avid sports fan, he lived an active lifestyle well into his 80s as an accomplished skier, sailor, tennis player and golfer. One of his greatest athletic achievements was a hole-in-one during a golf match – at the impressive age of 84 years old – while also shooting an 81 on the round; this was the realization and culmination of one of his life-long goals. He passed this love of activity and sports to his family by organizing trips surrounding skiing, rafting, soccer matches, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, and so much more. He struck the perfect balance between avid competitor and consummate gentleman – one that is rare and admirable.

Community: It almost seems insurmountable to summarize the impact he has made on the surrounding community. Stephen retired from Whirlpool as senior vice president, corporate communications, education, and government affairs, in 1988 after 33 years, while still serving as the president of the Whirlpool Foundation until 1992. As the last person from the founding family of Whirlpool to retire, his legacy was rich with impact. It should not be surprising to hear that his love for helping others also permeated into his career achievements – he was the instrumental leader in creating a customer service hotline for major appliances (the "Cool-Line") which is credited as the first 1-800 customer service line in the United States. He chaired countless boards, foundations and organizations that were deeply important to him and his devoted wife – especially the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, which is still active and run by an all-family board of directors. Included at the end of this obituary is a list which includes many of his charitable contributions and the beloved organizations he served. One of his greatest, lasting charitable legacies was started in 2016 with a $1 million endowment to the Berrien Community Foundation to establish the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant. This will continue to be an annual, one-time contribution to organizations making an impact in the local community. It has already been awarded to several inspiring organizations making strides in areas such as equine therapy for veterans with PTSD, childhood development, youth programming and education.

Country: A World War II veteran and member of the Greatest Generation, Stephen served with the first Allied soldiers under Gen. George Patton from 1943-1946. He liberated concentration camps and fought bravely at the Battle of the Bulge. He has shared stories that only touch the tip of the iceberg of his experiences during those years at war, but inspire all who were lucky enough to hear them. As a proud United States Army veteran, patriotism ran deep in his blood – in the morning he raised the American flag in his yard while playing "Reveille" on the trumpet, and in the evenings before dinner he lowered and folded the flag perfectly timed to the tune of "Taps" – a skill he taught to his children with exceptional precision. In 2015, he was celebrated as the Veteran of the Game at a sold-out Wrigley Field where he proudly stood at third base, waving to a standing ovation while wearing his original-issued Army uniform, at 91 years old.

Stephen Upton was a generous philanthropist, an architect of the Southwest Michigan community, and an accomplished career man. He was a man of strong faith in God, a devoted and loving family man, an avid athletic competitor, a servant to the community, and a proud United States Army, WWII veteran. But, what those dear to him will remember the most is his humility, contagious smile, wonderful sense of humor, and his love of charcoal grills, colorful blazers, and the Michigan Wolverines. He had the unique ability to make anyone he was talking to feel like the most important person in the room. But there was no doubt that since the day they met over 72 years ago, his beautiful wife was the most important person in the world to him. He will be missed by all, and his inspiring legacy will undoubtedly be cemented in our lives forever.

Stephen Upton will be laid to rest in St. Joseph, surrounded by his family. For those who wish to celebrate his life, a service will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085, followed by a reception at The Inn at Harbor Shores, 800 Whitwam Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph, Mich.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Berrien Community Foundation – Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant (berriencommunity.org/LoveCommunity).

Organizations served and beloved by Stephen Upton included:

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Rotary Club, Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA, Blossomland, United Way, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Boy Scouts Southwest Michigan Council, Child and Family Services of Michigan, Southwest Branch, Coalition of Community Funders, Council of Consumer Affairs Community, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Council of Michigan Foundations, Easter Seals, Economic Club of Southwest Michigan, First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, Fort Miami Heritage, Frederick S. Upton Foundation, Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Lakeland Health Foundation, Lake Michigan College, Lake Michigan College Foundation, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Historical Center Foundation, National Association of Manufacturers, Olivet College, Point O' Woods Golf and Country Club, Southwest Michigan Region of the Michigan Colleges Fund, St. Joseph City Commission, St. Joseph High School, Upton Middle School – Planetarium, University of Michigan, Whirlpool Foundation and Y-Uncles Organization.