Michael D. Stephan (51) of Tippecanoe, Indiana, passed away on May 6th, 2020, at 5:00 am at his home, in the loving care of his family and Hospice.
Michael, the son of David and Mary (Mills) Stephan, was born on September 24th, 1968, in Huntington County, Indiana. Mike was a graduate of Huntington North High School, class of 1987. He graduated from Huntington University in 1991 with a degree in Biology. He married the love of his life, Sharon Bolin, on June 4th, 1988. Mike managed and was the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Wildlife Park for almost 29 years. He was a very active and well-loved member of the community and surrounding area. He had many hobbies and interests. Mike was a HAM radio operator with the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club of Warsaw and the Plymouth American Radio League. He also volunteered at AERS/RACES. He worked with the Northern Indiana Research and Recovery Club as a Sky Warn weather spotter, tracking tornadoes and assessing damages they caused. Mike was the first to create a Dark Sky preserve in Indiana and was a member of the Warsaw Astronomy Club. He was also incredibly involved with Boy Scouting and is the current Scout Master of the Plymouth Pack 251. He has had an enormous impact on the lives of many scouts. He also helped his children and many others with 4H projects. He enjoyed many outings such as ghost hunting and camping as well. Mike did so much and was above all, a man of God, loved Jesus, and attended the Pleasant View Bible Church in Warsaw, Indiana.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, daughter Zoee Stephan, and son Wyatt Stephan, along with brothers Joe (wife Kathy) Stephan of Lagro, Indiana, and Mark Stephan of Austin, Texas. His parents, David and Mary Stephan of Andrews, Indiana, survive as well, along with his paternal grandmother, Zelma Bitzer of Lagro, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lester Stephan, maternal grandparents Charles and Lucille Mills, Sr., and paternal step-grandfather George Bitzer. He was and still is, loved by his family and many friends.
Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be graveside services only. The family will hold a celebration of Michael’s life at a later date to be determined after restrictions are lifted. Burial will be held at St. Paul’s County Line Cemetery in Andrews, Indiana, at 11 am Saturday, May 9th.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Potawatomi Wildlife Park “Michael Stephan Memorial.” Donation boxes for the park or to help the family will be located at the burial service.
Deaton Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted in assisting the family with arrangements
