Stephen Richard Kitchens

KITCHENS, STEPHEN R. Age 82 September 21, 2022. "No man is a failure who has friends," Clarence Odbody, It's a wonderful life, 1946 Like the character George Bailey, Steve had a wonderful life. Steve’s all-time favorite movie is an uplifting story of family, love, hope, and building a foundation for those he loved. These are qualities that Steve built into the story of his own life. Steve was at his best in the context of his friends and family. Whether on the golf course, boating on Lake Huron, working in his yard, or watching Andy Griffith, Steve loved to share a Manhattan, a slightly off-color joke, or his opinions with those closest to his heart or whoever was sitting next to him. It's no wonder he was so successful in sales―his outgoing personality and warm smile drew people in. Steve built long term relationships with fraternity brothers, long distant neighbors, cousins, golfers, and boaters across the years. Steve married his high school sweetheart, Roberta. Their 60 year marriage began with Roberta boldly asking this strikingly handsome older boy to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Through a five-year courtship, Mackinac Island honeymoon, and the birth of the three Kitchens girls, Steve built a legacy in his family. Steve’s memory will live on in his children and grandchildren. Ask him who his favorite son-in-law is, and he'd reply, "John/Jon," of course! Each of his girls married a man named John/Jon and had two children- first a girl and then a boy. Steve was incredibly proud of his family and loved his six grandchildren wholeheartedly. His children and grandchildren include: Stacey and John Barry Carlson, parents of Sara and Spencer, Amanda and John David Hancock, parents of Elizabeth and John Patrick, and Holly and Jon Randall Tacoma, parents of Alexa and Jaron. Steve and Roberta celebrated their last wedding anniversary on September 1, 2022. Their life and love are an inspiration to their children and all who knew them. We will forever remember Steve for his sense of humor, sweet tooth, and storytelling. His favorite stories often included his menu item of choice at restaurants from Michigan to Missouri and beyond. He enjoyed 82 years of life and was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Radie "Kitty" Kitchens, his brother Charles Kitchens, and sister Doris Jacques. Steve served in the National Guard. He served during and was forever marked by the 1967 Detroit Riots. He was deeply grateful for the support provided by the Salvation Army staffers and volunteers who braved violent conditions to serve the national guardsmen and others during and after the riots. Steve gave annually to the organization. Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 11:00am until time of Memorial Service at 2:00pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). In honor of Steve’s life and in lieu of flowers, please give a memorial donation to The Salvation Army https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCaclaterra.com.

Stephen Richard Kitchens

May 14, 1940 - September 21, 2022