Steven Siegel

A true outdoorsman, Steve Siegel never asked for much. He was a man content with the open road in front of him while riding his Gold Wing, and whether near or far, he loved times spent hunting and fishing. Foremost in his life, however, was the family he loved. As a devoted husband, dedicated father and doting grandfather, Steve provided well for his family. He leaves much to be remembered and will be sorely missed. Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. From music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons, households were introduced to a new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy prospered. Amid these exciting times, the Korean War was news of the day and clashes between communism asnd capitalism dominated the decade with the threat of a Cold War. It was indeed a time of change, especially in the lives of David and Joy (Mol) Siegel. Born on June 16, 1951 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steven Bruce was the first child of the Siegels who lovingly welcomed him into their hearts. Raised in their family home in Sparta on Alpine Avenue, Steven later welcomed younger brothers, Wendell and Dennis. His father supported their bustling household of three growing boys at his job for Consumers Power Company. He and his brothers enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, and found their share of adventure, too. At an early age they learned to fish and hunt together, and since the age of 14 never missed opening day of deer season. As a family they enjoyed boating and waterskiing on the Muskegon River and at the Hardy Dam. They liked camping, especially at the trailer they kept in the woods in Newaygo where they spent much time. As soon as Steve received his driver's license, he was quick to purchase his first motorcycle. He loved motorcycling and continued to do so throughout his life. After graduating from Sparta High school, he found work as a roofer. At the age of 19, and like his father before him, Steve landed a job working for Consumers Power. It was a great job for someone his age, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He first began as a lineman working in the bucket trucks While out on the town in Grand Rapids one night with some buddies, Steve and his friends went to a local bar to listen to the band and to do a little dancing. While there he met Barb Spaman who was there with friends from work. Quite taken with Barb, Steve got her phone number and called the very next day. Before long the two were dating, and didn't allow the distance to get between them. Since Barb lived in Jenison, Steve would drive his bike all the way from Sparta to see her. After having dinner with her family, they usually went out and enjoyed spending as much time together as they could. After dating for a year and a half, they found themselves deeply in love and were joined in marriage on June 7, 1974, just days before Steve's 23 birthday. The newlyweds made their first home together in the Grand Rapids area before Steve was relocated to work at the Marysville Consumer Powers Plant in Port Huron as an operator. While there Barb worked as a teacher until their son, Brian came along in 1978. When the plant in Marysville closed, Steve took a position at the Consumers Campbell Plant in Port Sheldon, ten miles south of Grand Haven. They settled into a house on Croswell Street in West Olive, which was the place Steve called home for the rest of his days. Memorable times were shared there as they raised Brian and soon welcomed the birth of their daughter in 1980, Brenda. Steve and Barb took their kids on fun-filled camping trips in their pick-up camper and later in the trailer they purchased to accommodate their growing family. They often camped at the Consumers Power campground in Newaygo on the Muskegon River where great times were enjoyed. A love for hunting continued to be a special part of Steve's life. He often took his son fishing and hunting, and Brenda even joined them occasionally. They especially loved taking their boat out on Lake Michigan to go salmon fishing, and Barb sometimes came along, too. Hunting, however, was by far Steve's greatest pastime. He and a group of friends went on hunting trips, many of which included excursions to Wyoming, Colorado and Canada. Along with deer, he liked his catches of antelope, caribou, bear, pheasant and various other forms of wildlife. After learning the technique of taxidermy, he mounted several of his trophies which lined some of the walls of their home. He also excelled as a trap shooter. Over the years he won dozens of trophies from his many shooting competitions. From the time he acquired his first bike, Steve maintained his love for motorcycles. It was a hobby he and Barb thoroughly enjoyed sharing together, too. He first began driving BMW's and eventually moved on to Honda Gold Wing road bikes, and in 1989 became a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Steve and Barb loved the open road with the wind at their backs. They took many trips all over the country, riding two-up on his bike. When their son Brian was an adult, he came to share their love for bikes and often went on road trips with them. Their trips included destinations such as Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, and a few trips to the annual motorcycle gathering in Sturgis, North Dakota. They especially enjoyed memorable rides through the Smokey Mountains and Deals Gap. Over the last 12 years, Steve suffered from several health issues including his heart and high blood pressure. He underwent several surgeries, but quickly recovered. After having both of his knees replaced a few years ago, he was looking forward to his healthy retirement and more time to spend with his grandchildren. Never one to be kept down for long, he made the best of his health issues and moved on. When he took an early retirement at the age of 55 after 36 years with Consumers, he and Barb decided to enjoy the winter months away from the cold. They eventually bought a home in Port Charlotte, Florida where they liked biking with the many friends they came to know there. In a moments time, the lives of those who knew and loved Steve was forever changed. Having never missed opening day of deer season since he was 14 years old, Steve set out on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 to hunt the woods near Newaygo when he suffered a heart attack and sadly died. At the age of 60, Steve Siegel was a true outdoorsman who loved nature and all it had to offer. The single most important thing to Steve, however, was the family he dearly loved and held close. A man to be long remembered, he will remain in the hearts of many. Steve is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara; son, Brian Siegel of Grand Haven; daughter, Brenda (Adam) Rowell of Allendale; grandchildren: Zachery, Brittney, Trenton, Kylee, Levi; brothers: Wendell (Karen) Siegel, Dennis (Tina) Siegel, both of Newaygo; stepmother, Ardith Siegel of Newaygo; mother-in-law, Jean Spaman; brother-in-law, Robert (Carol) Spaman; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICE: Monday, November 21, 2011, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Port Sheldon Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Grand Haven. Memorial to the Family are appreciated. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Steve and to sign his online guest book. Clock Life Story-Grand Haven