Steven Holm

Steven J. Holm was a fun-loving, reliable and caring man, who found immense happiness as a loyal and devoted husband and father. He had some challenges to overcome in his younger years, which he not only overcame, but went on to create a wonderful life full of family, friends and good times. Family was the center of Steves life, while his hunting and fishing were just a little off to the side. In fact, he was happiest when he could combine the two, spending a day with his family doing what he loved. The 1960s dawned with the movement away from the conservative fifties and eventually resulted in revolutionary ways of thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life. These changes affected education, values, lifestyles, laws and entertainment. Many of the ideas which began in the sixties are continuing to evolve today. Michael and Martha (Yager) Holm of Grand Haven, Michigan were preparing for a change within the tapestry of their own family as well, as they prepared for the arrival of their fourth child. They were indeed blessed on October 2, 1963, with the birth of their son, Steven Jay. He was welcomed into the family by his three older siblings: Gary, Debra and Laurie. Steve spent his growing up years in Grand Haven, where his father worked as a machinist and as Captain of a charter fishing boat. Fishing would be a lifelong passion for both Steve and his father, something they always enjoyed together. Unfortunately, Steves parents divorced in his younger years, and he grew into a rebellious teenager. He quit school at 16, and moved out to San Jose, California to live with his 19 year old sister, Debra. But things werent all smooth sailing on the west coast for Steve. He and Debra had their challenges too, and using tough love, she threw him out a few times, hoping he would see the error of his ways. When he did, Debra always welcomed him back again. Steve worked a variety of jobs while out west, including babysitting his niece, who he adored. He also had a loyal companion in his German shepherd, Josh; they went everywhere together. Eventually, Steve and Josh made their way back to Grand Haven, where they lived with his mom. Again, Steve held various jobs, which included working at VanSlooten Tree Farm in Muskegon. Here, he had the benefit of picking out the perfect Christmas tree for his family every year, a tradition he carried on throughout his life. During this time, Steve learned to drive big rig trucks, and later got a job driving for Holland Pallet Repair. He enjoyed some father/son time when his Dad accompanied him on some of his road trips. Steves life took a new direction when he was introduced to a young lady named Laurie, through his sister, Laurie. The two fell in love and were married. Then, in 1990, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Ashley. The family of three lived in Ferrysburg, where Steve devoted much of his time to caring for his daughter Ashley. It happened though that Steve and Lauries marriage ended after 10 years, and he and Ashley moved to the Swiss Village Apartments. It was here that Steve met a young single mom of 3 kids named Shawn Buzzell, who lived downstairs from them. At first, Shawn wasnt too keen on Steve she thought he was rather arrogant. However, as fate would have it, the two began dating and fell hopelessly in love. By this time, Steve and Ashley were living in a small 2 bedroom house, so when he and Shawn decided to move in together, the house quickly became even smaller. They soon found a bigger house for their family on Pruin Street in Spring Lake. After 6 years together, Steve and Shawn were happily married in a small ceremony on the North Beach of North Shore Park on September 6, 2008. Family was the most important part of Steves life; though his love for the outdoors was a close second. A passionate outdoorsman, Steve loved to hunt and fish, something he learned from his father. He loved deer hunting with both a rifle and bow, but fishing had to be by far his favorite pastime. Steve would go out with his Dad on his charter boat in Traverse City for some big time fishing. He and Shawn also liked to hit some of their favorite watering holes close to home with their small fishing boat, and in the wintertime, they liked ice fishing. With all the fish he brought home, Steve put together a special batter recipe for frying up his catch, and then invited his family over for some great fish fries. About 2 years ago, Steve was diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He battled hard to overcome this disease, and celebrated when they thought he had beat it. With a new lease on life, Steve went out and bought his dream boat last summer, complete with all the equipment necessary for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. However, he soon found out his cancer had returned, but his unbreakable spirit would not be enough this time. Steve was tenderly cared for in the comfort of his own home by his beloved wife Shawn until his passing on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Friends and family will remember Steve not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with them will always be remembered. Steve is survived by his wife, Shawn; daughter, Ashley (Josh) Reyes; stepchildren, Brittany, Darren, Kordell Rodrigues; granddaughter, Addison Reyes; mother, Martha (Dennis) Dean of Grand Haven; father, Michael (Carol) Holm of Norton Shores; sisters, Debra Tober of Muskegon, Laurie Starnes of Grand Haven; in-laws, Norma & Gordon Buzzell Sr. of Grand Haven; his dog & best friend, Chance. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary, in 1990. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Please visit Steves personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory or sign the online guest book.