Steve Dragicevich

Quiet, humble, generous, and kind, Steve Dragicevich lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Steve was a grape farmer and a professional craftsman who never hesitated to share his gifts and talents with others. He met each day with gratitude and grace, relishing time with loved ones and cherishing every moment he was given. Embodying the principles of his faith, Steve led with his heart in all things. With a ready smile and a kind word, he inspired everyone blessed to share time with him to live wholeheartedly and in service to others. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, community member, and friend, Steve will long be remembered and deeply missed by those he so dearly loved.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression,1930 beheld a power of hope that undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to endure and thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than in the hearts of Frank and Stefania (Stiglich) Dragicevich as they welcomed their son Steve on August 25 at the family home on 6th Street in Texas Township, Michigan.

Steve’s father worked in the copper mines in Michigan, having immigrated from Croatia/Yugoslavia to Kalamazoo in 1911. Proud of his heritage, he and his wife created a home rich in tradition. Steve enjoyed the company of his older brothers, Peter and Paul, and worked the vineyards together. The Dragicevich family shared close friendships with the Stevens family; the families went to church together and lived near each other. Sweet little Marianne Stevens, who was six years younger, saved Steve a seat on the school bus; they both attended Mattawan Consolidated School. No one knows exactly when their relationship became romantic, but they were young. They were just kids who deeply cared for each other. Steve was always good to her, and her future father-in-law often bought her Chuckles from the Crooked Lake Market.

During his senior year of high school, Steve joined the Army Corps of Engineers, serving in Greenland and Panama during the Korean Conflict. Steve worked on the Panama Canal and, while there, he bought Marianne an engagement ring. Steve was discharged from service in January 1953 and safely returned home.

On October 24, 1953, Steve and Marianne exchanged their wedding vows in a marriage ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Paw Paw. With no money to spare, the couple celebrated with family, but did not take a honeymoon. They were also founding members of St. John Bosco Church in Mattawan.

The newlyweds lived in different places in Texas Township and were delighted to become parents the following year when the first of their ten children was born. As a dad, Steve was strict but not mean; he just had a way to look at the kids, and they knew it was time to change their behavior. The kids didn't want to disappoint him. Quiet and stealthy, when the kids were out of line, he would deliver his customary, "Okay, kiss and make up." Steve worked hard to provide for his family, but he also knew the importance of balancing hard work with fun. He and Marianne let the older kids name their last child "Charlie," deciding by vote, and Steve was very proud to be the first person to waterski at Crooked Lake every year. Steve umpired the kids' softball games, took the family camping up north, went snowmobiling, and saved up to take all the kids to Disney World. The family loaded up in a station wagon with a popup camper, and when people stared at their very full vehicle, the kids made signs that said, "Yes, there are 12 of us!"

Steve worked at Checker Cab Manufacturing, but didn't like it. Having always helped on the family farm, he and Marianne bought a property in 1957 to start their own farm, where they grew grapes and had open land. While continuing to help his parents with their farm, too, he later bought another hundred acre plus farm on Q Avenue and 8th Street, where they had grapes and various other crops. Entrepreneur that he was, in 1968, Steve bought the first mechanical grape harvester in Michigan. As a supplier to Welch's, Steve hired lots of seasonal help and was known to be open-minded and accepting. Steve also worked as a foreman for Byholt and at Engles for nearly twenty years. During these years, he mentored many younger employees.

Between his time in the Army and his self-education, Steve became a master craftsman. Confident in his skills and eager to learn, he never shied from a challenge, always kept busy, and could always figure out problems. Steve was a patient and inspiring mentor who shared these and many other life skills with his children, grandchildren, co-workers, and employees.

Very connected to the Texas Township community, Steve and Marianne were like a power couple, always together, laughing and serving. Church was important to Steve, and he was very active in the church community. He and Marianne prayed the rosary daily, and Marianne made sure they danced to the Polka after Sunday's mass or during the week. A founding member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John Bosco, Steve volunteered at the church's blood drives and spaghetti dinners; it was all about the gift for him. For many years, Steve was a volunteer firefighter and first responder at Texas Township and even had a dedicated phone line in the house.

A true farmer, Steve loved working the soil in his giant garden. Having experienced hunger firsthand during childhood, he was compelled to feed everyone by sharing the food he grew. For many years, he grew sunflowers and usually had a contest to see who could grow the biggest one. One of Steve's greatest joys was sharing his love of farming with his grandchildren. He was the best grandpa. With signature patience and love, he gave his grandkids his full attention. Whether listening to what they had to say, taking them for a tractor ride, going fishing, helping them fix something, answering a garden-related question, or celebrating a special event, Steve was fully engaged and ever so proud. With nearly a hundred and thirty family members, the Dragicevich family knew how to throw a party!

Steve shared his wisdom with customary phrases such as, "Never take any wooden nickels," "Never go to bed angry," and "You can always do what you want; you just can't do as long as you want." The greatest gift he gave those who knew him was the example of his marriage. He and Marianne were true partners whose shared faith, genuine love, and sincere affinity for one another radiated for all to witness.

After facing a brief heart condition for the past six months, Steve was able to die at home with family at his side. As we celebrate Steve's full and wonderful life of faith and family, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories of the man we were so blessed to know. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we greet others with a smile, tend to our garden, humbly share our bounty, listen with our hearts, and cherish our loved ones, we keep Steve's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Steve F. Dragicevich, of Texas Township, age 94, died November 6, 2024 at his home. Steve was born August 25, 1930, at the family home in Texas Township, the son of Frank and Stefania (Stiglich) Dragicevich. He was preceded in death by his twin brothers, Peter and Paul; son, Anthony; and granddaughter, Taylor. Members of his family include his wife of 71 years, Marianne; 10 children: Liz (Kevin) Osborn, Andy (Kim) Dragicevich, Julie (Thom) Coles, Joe (Jan) Dragicevich, Steve (Lila) Dragicevich, Suzy (Eric) Johnson, Anne (Louis) Zemlick, Teresa (Don) Hunt, Bob (Marci) Dragicevich, and Charlie Dragicevich; 34 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, November 12, from 3-7pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30pm. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 13, at 11am at St. John Bosco Church, Mattawan. Lunch will follow in the church hall. Celebrate Steve's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul at St. John Bosco Church, Centrica Care Navigators, or your local food bank.