Steven Beem

Steven Beem was a man who tried to achieve what so many never do; balance in his life and keeping his priorities rightly ordered. He was happy to talk to anyone, but he also enjoyed spending time alone in the woods. He worked hard to provide for his loved ones, even working two jobs to do so, but he always carved out time for family fun and togetherness. He loved hunting and fishing, but he was also a devoted husband and loving father whose first priority was his family. He had a strong work ethic and cared about conservation and wildlife, and rather than keeping those things to himself, he eagerly passed those values on to his children.

In the late 1940s, the world was recovering from the ravages of World War II. America had finally readjusted to having its men home. Europe was shuffling borders and rebuilding its cities. Allied pilots were dropping food and supplies into the bombed-out and blockaded shell of Berlin. In the middle of this time of change, Beatrice Fitzgerald of Three Rivers, Michigan, welcomed her first child, Steven, on July 2, 1948. Six weeks later, Steven was lovingly adopted by her new husband George Beem. The little family didn’t stay little for long. Their home was soon filled with the sounds of playing, squabbling, and a general hustle and bustle as Steven was eventually joined by four siblings, Tim, Myrtle, Mike, and Ron Jr. Money was tight while the kids were growing up, but the family was happy and learned the value of hard work and pitching in.

The Beems moved often and called many places around the state home. They ended up back on the west side of the state for a time, and while Steven was a student at Gobles High School, he met someone who would change his life forever. While swimming with friends, he struck up a conversation with a girl named Ruth Robart. The pair sat on a porch swing talking for hours, and Steven determined that night that he was going to marry her. He was right.

Steven graduated from Gobles with the class of 1966. Ruth was a year younger than he, and a few months after she graduated they were married. They exchanged vows on October 28, 1967, at Otsego Baptist Church. They spent more than fifty years together, navigating life’s ups and downs with a commitment to each other that encouraged those who knew them.

Steven and Ruth had the joy and privilege of raising two children, Tammy Lyn and Larry Fredrick. Steven worked hard to provide for his family, first at Brundage Company (later Torin HVAC) and then at Cytech. His coworkers respected him for his work ethic and the quality of his work. He rarely missed a day and was always ready to go when his shift started. He and Ruth also ran Deep Sea Aquariums in Kalamazoo from 1972-1986 in order to supplement their income.

Steven loved to hunt and fish in his free time. He often went after deer and small game in the Allegan State Game Area and took his beloved Brittany spaniels as bird dogs. Lake Michigan was a favorite location, fishing for king and coho salmon. Steve was also a part of the Steel Heads of America Fishing Corporation. The family had a small trailer in an area called Frog Hollow in Bear Lake near Manistee, and over the years it upgraded to a house farther back in the same area. Steven always wanted his kids to be where he was, and he made a special effort to teach them to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. He took them fishing, and although Tammy never really took to catching or eating fish, both she and her brother loved spending time with him and took his lessons to heart. One of their favorite things to do with him was riding on the back of his 1971 Yamaha gold Trail bike motorcycle, taking in the sights, the fresh air, and the closeness of their father.

Steven loved his children deeply, and the birth of his only granddaughter, Destyni, expanded his heart even further. That little girl had him wrapped around her little finger, and he was beyond proud of her as he watched her grow. He always treated her like a princess and wanted nothing more for her than health and happiness.

On Thursday nights Steven could be found watching Michigan Outdoors. He also enjoyed Hallmark movies and shows such as NCIS. He liked oldies music from the ‘50s and ‘60s as well as Bill and Gloria Gaither’s beautiful gospel tunes. He wasn’t picky about his food, but he never turned down a good meat and potatoes meal. Some of his favorite things were conversations with friends, being outdoors, and seeing wildlife.

Steven battled serious health issues during his last few years, suffering from the effects of a stroke and struggling with COPD. He eventually reached the point where he was rarely able to leave home. He passed away unexpectedly after an early morning trip to the hospital. Steven leaves his family with the foundation of his strong values and the assurance of his sincere love.

Steven died on Thursday, September 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife Ruth; his daughter, Tammy Haynes; his son, Larry Beem; his granddaughter, Destyni; and two brothers, Tim and Ron. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice; sister, Myrtle; and brother, Mike.

Life Story Services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Celebrate Steven’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.