Stephen Bourgeau Sr.

Stephen Thomas Bourgeau Sr. passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods. He was 77.
Steve was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 16, 1946, to parents David and Phyllis (Klapperich) Bourgeau. The second of nine children, Steve lived a life marked by kindness, devotion to his loved ones, and a spirit of generosity that touched everyone he met.
In the fall of 1966, on the campus of Central Michigan University, Steve met his sister's college roommate, Beverly Bender. They quickly fell in love, and two years later, on August 3, 1968, they were married. The following year, Steve completed his master's degree, then went on to excel as an executive in the insurance industry, working for Manulife for more than 35 years.
In 1971, Steve and Bev moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they had two children, Stephen and Christi. Five years later, the family relocated to Southern California, where they lived for over three decades.
Upon retiring in 2006, Steve returned to Michigan so that he and Bev could be closer to their extended families, building a home on the Thornapple River in Alto, then renovating another on Campau Lake. He spent his days in his workshop, honing his woodworking skills; his evenings on the lake, captaining his prized pontoon boat; and his nights in front of the television, watching John Wayne battle the villains.
Steve and Bev cherished their travels. When their children were young, they embarked on several road trips across America, and as the years passed, they journeyed to places like the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, though Alaskan cruises were their favorite.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved parents, David and Phyllis (Klapperich) Bourgeau; his brothers, David and Mark; and his dear wife, Beverly Bourgeau, who shared in his values and stood by his side through life's many adventures. Steve's legacy continues through his children, Stephen Bourgeau Jr. and Christi Bourgeau, who will carry forward the principles and love he instilled in them.
Steve is also survived by his siblings, Barbara (Kirk) Richards, Jeff (Jessica) Bourgeau, Michele (Tim) Lea, Cynthia (John) Kherkher, Alex (Lori) Bourgeau, and Laura (Del) Chavez; his in-laws, Connie Bourgeau, Bob (Carol) Bender, Joan (Vinal) Tabor, and Mary (Steve) Wood; and a host of extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Relatives and friends may meet with Steve's family on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 4 to 8 P.M. at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home, where a vigil will take place at 7 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1 P.M. at the Middleville United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.
Steve Bourgeau Sr. will be remembered as a loving, kind, and friendly man, whose warmth and generosity knew no bounds. His memory will be cherished and his presence deeply missed, as we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.