Steve Sarle

Stephen Charles Sarle...known to his family and friends as a strong-willed man who could orchestrate any event and get things done. That is, until late August when he came face to face with insidious cancer. But, true to his nature, he showed his bravery, set forth to face his prognosis, donned his stubborn socks, (Yes, he owns a pair!) and set a goal to celebrate his 80th birthday in January. Sadly, Steve passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, at home. While he will be deeply missed by so many, he will long be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Steve was born in Saginaw, MI, on January 6, 1945, to Charles and Marjorie Ruff Sarle. His father missed his birth as he was serving in WW II. He joyfully and thankfully returned home when the war ended to meet his beloved son. Steve played football for the mighty Trojans at Saginaw High School. Upon completion of high school, he went on to WMU where he earned a BS in Distributive Education in 1969 and a MA in Teaching in the Community College in 1971.

A man of integrity, good, kind and generous, Steve lived a life rich in pride for his family and service to his community. He served as a Specialist 5th Class in the United States Army Reserve.

Steve loved and admired his trailblazing grandmother, Thelma, who became one of the first female police officers in Michigan. Can you picture young Steve sitting in that 1950’s black Ford squad car, parked in Grandma's driveway on her lunch break, listening to the calls on the radio? Steve joined the Kalamazoo Police Department in 1971, and he played an integral role when the city merged law enforcement and firefighting to form the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Police work wasn't just a profession, for Steve it was who he was as a humble member of the community he served. He moved through the ranks, touching countless lives and making many lifelong friendships along the way. Lieutenant Sarle retired in 1997.

Steve held the office of President on the board of the local Kalamazoo Governmental Employees Federal Credit Union and was a valued member of two condo association boards. He was actively involved with FOP Lodge 98 and The American Legion.

Steve's family and friends brought him joy, adventure, and fulfillment throughout his life. As a boy, Steve was a Scout, and he especially enjoyed participating in his sons’ scouting adventures. He was proud to see them both achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Stacy and Steve shared an adventure when they traveled on a cross-country trip to Arizona stopping in Amarillo to add their own personal touches to the Cadillac Ranch Art Installation.

Steve really treasured the camaraderie of his fishing buddies on their annual trip to Lac Des Mille Lodge in Upsala Ontario. That's where he acquired his nickname “Pa.” As time went on, the sons grew up and many now join the adventure. This year marked 40 years of this tradition. A piece of Steve will always be in this place he loved so much.

Over the years Steve was known to strap on his tool belt to help build a couple houses. Upon retirement golf became a favorite hobby. When in Arizona, Steve worked as a Starter for the local golf course where he met many interesting people. On Steve’s final golf round he proudly scored his age. Steve was a great fan of the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. So many times, family and friends looked to Steve for his valued and respected sage advice. Some of his wise counsel may have been dispersed at Louie’s Bar where the gang often gathered.

Marla and Steve enjoyed all the best of living in Michigan during the summers and Arizona in the winters. They enjoyed traveling and frequented art fairs to find something fun that struck their fancy to decorate their home. They often joked that they had the most fun dining out and spending money.

Surviving to cherish Steve's spirit and love is his wife, Marlene Culp Sarle. When Steve met Marla the moon hit his eye like a big pizza pie, and they were married at Bilbo's Pizza on July 2, 2006. That's Amore! Also surviving are his three children: Stacy (Marvin) Young of Kalamazoo, MI, Aaron (Jillian) Sarle of Fountain Hills, AZ, and Tobin Sarle of Kalamazoo, MI; two granddaughters, Alexi Zeluff (Thomas) Scheffert and Delaney Shafer; his little sister, Cynthia (Fred) Bierlein; the mother of his children, Mary Picard Sarle; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Centrica Care Navigators for their expertise and circle of care and compassion for Steve and his family. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to this hospice group at 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

In keeping with Steve's wishes, cremation has taken place. Please join the family on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM, for a Celebration of Life Service at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Happy Hour where food, drinks and stories will be shared will be held immediately following the service in the Life Story Center. Celebrate Steve’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.