Steve Jarzambek

Steven Jarzambek was a man known for his caring nature, his strong work ethic, and his commitment to his family. He would’ve said he was guided by three immovable principles: family, hard work, and the Detroit Lions. It was important to him to make sure that his loved ones were provided for, and while he did devote much of his time to his work, he also knew that providing for them required more than just money. It also required time, and he consistently made efforts to demonstrate how much he cared by prioritizing family activities. He liked using his sarcastic streak to make others laugh, and even in tough times, he strove to put others before himself.

The 1960s were a time of great social and political change in America. The Civil Rights Movement was continuing to develop, and many controversial topics were dividing the country. Musicians such as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles were reaching the heights of their popularity. In this time of cultural upheaval, a couple in St. Louis, Missouri, was excitedly waiting for the birth of their second child.

On April 1, 1967, Don and Elizabeth Jarzambek welcomed their son Steven into the world. Soon Steve was toddling after big sister Monica, and later younger brother Jason completed the trio, filling their house with plenty of laughter and squabbles. Steve loved his siblings, and although they didn’t always agree with each other, he was fiercely protective of them.

As a boy, Steven loved to fish. Fishing remained a constant even though his family often moved. They wound up in Michigan when he was in high school, and he attended Portage Northern for a time before graduating as a Niles High School Viking in 1985. He did well both in the classroom and on the field as a math whiz, honors student, and ball player.

Steve got his first job when he was twelve and never looked back. His parents had instilled in him a strong work ethic and he carried that with him for the rest of his life. He also passed it on to his children. Most recently he worked for a large packaging manufacturer, Pactiv Evergreen. He often said, “I’ll get all the sleep when I’m dead.” Working hard and providing for his family were two of the most important things in his life.

Even though he worked hard, Steven always made time for his kids Steve and Jessica, born in 1989 and 1994 respectively. Whether it was shooting hoops in the driveway or playing video games together, Steve knew that being present was important. He attended sporting events, choir concerts, dance recitals, and cheer competitions. A highly anticipated pastime was watching Detroit Lions games as a family, years that were particularly sweet while Steve’s favorite player Barry Sanders was on the field. As his family grew to include grandchildren, Steve’s heart grew right along with it. He would do anything for those sweet babes.

Steve took the opportunity during those times together to share the things he believed were important about life. Promptness was one of those things, and his kids often heard him say, “If you aren’t fifteen minutes early, you’re late.” He taught them that nothing in this world is free and that things should be earned, not expected. He showed them through his words and example that taking care of others is important. He also demonstrated, perhaps most faithfully, that family comes first.

When it came to food, Steven loved both the sweet and the savory. His kids fondly remember him keeping a box of cereal under his bed for snacking. He was also the family’s resident Grill Master. Every Sunday was family time, and he made the best burgers and steaks. He loved hosting Thanksgiving dinner for his family but made sure that the meal was early so he could give his full attention to the Lions game later in the day.

Steven had varied talents and interests. He was handy around the house, coming up with skilled and creative solutions for those often unexpected maintenance needs. He loved Shania Twain’s music and watching old Westerns on TV. He tried to make himself available for anyone, carving out time to help others whenever it was needed. He sought God and set aside other things in order to pray everyday.

Steve leaves his family with not only the assurance that he loved them more than anything else, but also with nuggets of wisdom that they can in turn pass on to others. He gave them the best he had to offer, and his love will continue to influence them for years to come.

Steven Jarzambek died on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He is survived by his children, Steven (Emily) Jarzambek and Jessica (Charles Lynch) Jarzambek; stepchildren Britney Carimi and Christy Carimi; a sister, Monica Hessey, and a brother, Jason Jarzambek; his grandchildren, Violet, Jonah, Emma, Caiden, Bryce, Ashton, and Owen; his father, Don Jarzambek; his mother, Liz Jarzambek; a niece, August Jarzambek; and stepsiblings Maura Sullivan, Morgan Sullivan, and Shawn Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his stepmother Jacquelyn Sullivan Jarzambek and a stepbrother, Brian Sullivan.

Services will be announced soon. Celebrate Steve’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at betzlerlifestory.com, Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.