Stephanie J. Reeder

On December 13, 2024 Stephanie Reeder peacefully passed away. Stephanie is preceded in death by husband Larry Reeder, Parents Jackie and Doyle Pierman. Survived by 3 sons Jon Reeder, Thad (Christina) Reeder, Nat (Kristi) Reeder. 5 siblings David (Marilyn) Pierman, Holly Pierman, Tom Pierman, Lori (Frank) Blossom, and Valley (Michael) Ufer, 5 Grandchildren: Jake, Mitchell, Brooke, Peyton, and Zoey. One Great-Grandchild: Zane.

Stephanie graduated in 1965 from Galesburg Augusta High School. After high school she worked as a clerk at the U.S. post office. She had her car serviced at the Marathon Gas Station in Galesburg. It was here where she met Larry Reeder. Set up by mutual friends on a double date, they were lucky in love from their very first meeting. They were married in November of 1968. Together they raised 3 wonderful sons Jon, Thad and Nat. In 1984 she received her Bachelors degree of Science, and Minored in Elementary Education, History, and Integrated Creative Arts at Western Michigan University. She loved wildlife and educating children. Stephanie worked side by side with elementary and middle school teachers as a volunteer classroom aide for 8 years in the Galesburg public school system. She went on to be the Director of the Daycare/Preschool program at Trinity Assembly of God. She co-developed and co-directed a Vacation Bible school program. And with her love of wildlife, it landed her at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, where she gave tours and educated children how to care for the wildlife. At the Kalamazoo nature center she taught children about the Native Americans tapping maple trees and how to turn the sap into syrup. She tutored many children in her own home including some of her family. She liked reading, needle work, crafts, gardening, trying new recipes, and being with children and youth. She enjoyed spending the summers with her beloved family on the beach in Traverse City. They laughed, roasted marshmallows, and told great stories around the campfire. She dedicated her life to her family to the very end.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11am at ChapNaz, 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Stephanie’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family.

The Reeder family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.