Stephanie M. Hendee

Stephanie M. Hendee, age 72, of Menominee, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, February 21, 2026. She was born April 12, 1953 to Robert E. and Beverly (nee, Auter) Smith in San Diego, CA where her father was stationed with the U.S. Navy. Stephanie grew up with her family in Byron, IL and graduated from Byron High School. She led an active youth and was a Homecoming Queen for her high school. Stephanie graduated from Illinois State University in Bloomington with a degree in education and went on to teach early elementary students. After relocating to Longmont, CO, Stephanie launched her own language arts program from which she developed a business career as an educational clinician and consultant. She moved to Menominee to be near family after spending over 20 years in Colorado.

Stephanie was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, the Menominee Woman's Club and served on the Spies Library Board where she was also a volunteer. She was an avid Mahjong player and joined in games several times a week.

She is survived by two sisters and their husbands, Cynthia Elsner (Robin) of Menominee and Connie Kovanda (Matthew) of California; nieces and nephew and their families, Chelsea Elsner Monfils (Michael) and their children, Caleb and Nora; Robert Elsner (Heather); Tommie Kovanda (Taylor) and son, Benny; and Taylor Kovanda (Sal) and son, Cash; and her best friend, Judy Kalbrener.

A memorial service will be planned and announced at a later date.