Michael Anthony Stephens

08/21/1942 - 07/28/2025

Michael Anthony Stephens was born to Edward and Dorothy Stephens on August 21st, 1942, in Akron, Ohio. After his father's death in 1950, the family moved briefly to Texas before moving to Grand Rapids in 1953. Mike graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1960. He received his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Western Michigan University in 1966. Mike taught at Kenowa Hills High School from 1966 to 1973 which he regarded as a wonderful experience. Many former students have shared that he was the best teacher they have ever had. In 1973, he was hired by the Michigan Education Association to represent teachers and support staff through mediation and contract bargaining. He stayed with the MEA for 37 years. Again, this was work that he loved and greatly missed after retiring in 2010. Mike's teaching career and his subsequent work with the MEA allowed him to use his superb advocacy skills to help people who weren't in positions to help themselves. His advocacy for many MEA members resulted in better pay, benefits and working conditions and because of this, he was held in high esteem by his members and colleagues.

While young, Mike spent every summer out at the "cottage" on Murray Lake north of Lowell. The cottage and property are a family legacy which his maternal grandfather and grandmother, Jessie and Tony Vandervelde embarked on in 1918. Mike and his family made the cottage a year- round home in 1980 where he lived up until his death. During his time at the lake, Mike continued to improve the property by harvesting dead trees and planting new ones and building lily docks and walkways that would allow visitors to enjoy the scenery. He added 2 zip lines and a pond and also built a slide and diving platform at the end of his dock, all of which were enjoyed by his grandchildren and kids in the neighborhood. His work at the lake with his faithful dog Tessie by his side was his way of communing with his grandfather Tony who had originally started the family legacy. He enjoyed raising his daughters there, allowing them to enjoy the same pastimes he enjoyed during his childhood summers and being able to introduce these same pastimes to his grandkids, Lily and Sawyer, who represent the 5th generation on Murray Lake. For Mike, the lake is and always will be a family legacy.

Mike passed away on Monday, July 28th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his daughter Jessie, and his brother, Edward. He leaves behind his wonderful wife, Karan Chapman whom he described as having the happiest time of his life with, daughter Neille Buckland, son-in-law, Matt Buckland, grandchildren Lily and Sawyer Buckland, his brother's daughters Kim (Greg) Green and Lisa (Jim) Payne, and sister-in law, Sue Stephens along with many other extended family members from the Chapman, Stephens and Miller families.

Some things that Mike loved were time with his wife and family, his employment, travel with his wife and brother Ed which included visits to 29 countries and working at his home on Murray Lake. Mike lived a full life and was satisfied with his accomplishments and contributions. He will be missed for his sense of humor, his love of life and family, his astute knowledge of history, and his fight to right injustices in every situation he faced. We will greatly miss our husband, father, uncle and Papa Mike but know that the lily dock will always be waiting for him along with the lapping of the waves on the lake and the frogs and cicadas singing in the swamp at night.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the Flat River VFW Post #8303, 3116 Alden Nash Ave. SE, Lowell MI 49331. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids.


"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard…"

-Winnie the Pooh