Steven Joseph Wansten

Steve was many things but he most embodied selflessness. He lived every day of his life in service to others and did so with a happy smile and a gracious heart. He was always dependable and generous with his time and energy, whether for the odd job around the house (often someone else’s) or souping up a motorized kids’ toy. Steve could almost always be found outdoors. He loved the rewarding work of gardening and tinkering on cars (both regular-sized and Hot Wheels) in his garage. He spent hours customizing his cherished Jeep while listening to independent community radio station WYCE 88.1. He took seriously his job of tending to and maximizing use of the backyard pool. Last year he was particularly proud of taking one final swim well into a chilly October. Steve loved his dogs Rosco and Yoda with all his heart and he was deeply devoted to their care and well-being. To his parents Steve was not only a son but a best friend. To his siblings and their spouses he was a good-natured kid brother who was up for any project imaginable. He was part of a large extended family and he treasured his relationships with his many uncles, aunts, and cousins. In recent years, he shone most in his role of fun and quirky uncle to niece Layla and nephews Oliver, Kai, and Godson Luca. Steve related to the kids and their interests in a way that forged a special connection with them. He was genuinely excited to find the best Pokémon card or perfect empty box for their next project together. Steve’s attention to detail made him a wonderful electrician, following in his dad’s footsteps. He recently got his Journeyman’s license and was preparing to start a new business with Mark in which they could finally work side-by-side. Steve was the quiet and sturdy glue that connected us all. His dedication to his family and positive outlook held us together through hard times and good. We will miss him endlessly but know that we will feel his presence most on noisy Christmas mornings, the sunniest summer days, and in the laughter of his beloved niece and nephews. We will celebrate Steve’s spirit of kindness and carry it with us always. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Harry and Marilyn Wansten, his maternal grandparents Edmund and Patricia Wojciakowski, his maternal aunts Mary Jason and Susan Marcusse, and his maternal uncle Michael Wojciakowski. He is survived by his Godparents John Kalinowski and Doris Klein, his parents Mark and Lori Wansten, and his siblings Josh Wansten (Sonya), Jamie Benvenuto (Angelo), and Ben Jarocki (Chrissie). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 am at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1253 52nd St. SE Kentwood MI where his family will receive visitors one hour prior.

Tributes

Steven Joseph Wansten

January 5, 1991 - November 27, 2022