Stephen Cirka

Stephen “Steve” Cirka of Grand Ledge, Michigan, age 85, joined our heavenly father on November 12, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Steve was born on July 22, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Steve and Catherine Cirka.

Steve had a lifetime of happiness. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, supporting his family at athletic and the arts events. Steve was a provider for his family, instilling what work ethic meant to his girls. He began working at the age of nine as a shoe shiner at Plum Hollow Country Club working his way up to become a caddy for pro golfer Gene Littler. He would share his memories of those times, as he learned so much during those formidable years. The joy he found being on the golf course would lead to him playing in Pro-Am tournaments. After high school Steve joined the Army, where his journey took him from Fort Benning, Georgia to Germany. He enjoyed his short military career and returned home to Southfield where he would find his next passion working at the Detroit Skating Club. There he was the manager of the ice and was a Zamboni driver, which he shared was his favorite job of all time in his final days. From the ice, Steve went to mastering the underground of the salt industry. He was a jack of all trades, learning and sharing the making of salt from its purest form to what we use today: table salt, pellet salt, block salt, and popcorn salt. He was proud of his company’s safety record, having over one-million-man hours without an injury and being a union steward. Steve found his last major job working for Continental Airlines. He loved being in the belly of planes, loading freight and luggage. He finally retired in 2004 to live out his dream of living in the west.

Steve married Marylyn Joyce Allen, on January 21, 1961. They began their life living in Westland, Michigan, where they raised their three daughters, until the birth of their fourth daughter. As Steve’s family grew, so did the desire to move to Northern Michigan to the little village of Bear Lake. Steve and Joyce settled and raised their girls, enjoying being near Lake Michigan, Bear Lake, and the beautiful golf course of County Highlands. After a hard day’s work, Steve would find relaxation on the golf course, hitting the driving range and practicing on the putting green. Steve and Joyce would eventually retire in Fountain, Colorado, to live out a dream of being close to the majestic view of Pikes Peak. In recent years, Steve had relocated to Grand Ledge living with his daughter, son-in-law, and youngest two grandchildren, fulfilling his life with joy and laughter.

Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Marylyn Joyce, of 52 years; his parents, Stephen, Catherine, and step-mom Frieda; brothers Neil and Gary, and sister Molly.

Surviving are Steve’s four daughters: Linda of Fountain, Colorado, Angela of Traverse City, Michigan, Gwendolyn of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Stephanie (Gregory) of Grand Ledge, Michigan; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Tony; Elizabeth (Nicholas, Maddyson), Rebecca (Ashleigh, Anthony, Maria) and Rochelle (Gabriella, Vivian); Jeffery (Lora, Trevor), Marylyn (Benjamin), and Eric (Courtney); Gianna and Aaron. He is also survived by son-in-law Robert Moore; brothers Joe Mason and Rick Cirka, brothers-in-law Bob and Bill Allen, sister-in-law Bev Metzger; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home -Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing, Michigan 48917.