Richard Van Stephens

Richard V. Stephens I, age 82, of Onsted, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015 after a brief illness. Richard was born on September 1, 1932, in Bridgeport, CT, the son of Van Ness and Sarah Ann (Stevens) Stephens, the youngest of six children. On September 1, 1956 he married Margarette Beranek. Together they resided in Ypsilanti and Dexter, Michigan before moving to Onsted. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2005. Richard proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Navy for three years where he was a Machinist Mate 3rd Class aboard the USS Melvin and the USS Greene. Richard worked for the University of Michigan Central Power Plant as a stationary engineer for forty years, retiring in 1994. Besides hunting and fishing, Richard enjoyed wood working in his spare time. He was a member of the Onsted American Legion Post #550. Richard is survived by his sister, Frances Chaney of Accokeek, Maryland, his children, Mary Louise (Michael) McNally of Onsted, Michigan, Patricia L. (Carmelo) Bartucci of Sarasota, Florida, and Richard V. (Alessandra) Stephens II of Sarasota, Florida, grandchildren, Melissa Galazin, Ricardo Cannon, and Matthew Stephens, his great-grandchildren Catherine Galazin and Kaileigh Stephens and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Margarette, he was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Stephens; his sisters. Caroline Cochran, Gilberta Stephens, and Geraldine Green. Visitation services for Richard will be held Friday, January 23, 2015 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Funeral services will be held on 12 noon Saturday, January 24, 2015 with Pastor Steven Newberg officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery with full military honors for Richard provided by the Onsted American Legion. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.muehligannarbor.com.