Stephen Emil Knezic

Stephen “Steve” E. Knezic, 83, of Stevensville, MI passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Friends may visit from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph, MI with Very Rev. Robert Creagan officiating. Steve’s final resting place will be Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA. Steve was born on March 26, 1934 in Braddock, PA to George & Magdalena (Juratovic) Knezic. He graduated from Braddock High School in 1953. After graduation, Steve worked in the steel mills but soon followed his sister to Chicago to work for Continental Can Co. (Crown Cork & Seal). Seeking every opportunity for advancement, Steve began as an apprentice and retired as an electrician after 43 years of loyal service. During his early years with Continental Can, Steve was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in active duty through 1958 and in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1962. On May 19, 1962 he wed Mary Buchina in Pittsburgh, and they started their family the following year with the first of six children. Steve was devoted to his family and served them selflessly with all he had. Steve was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing cards, building puzzles, and drinking coffee with his fellow retirees. Steve is survived by his two daughters Kristina Knezic and Danielle Knezic both of Stevensville; four sons, Stephen Knezic of Berrien Springs, Jeffrey (Cathy) Knezic of Galien, Timothy (Pamela) Knezic of Wausau, WI and David (Dawn) Knezic of Bridgman; and six grandchildren, Bryan (Kate) Pearson and Justin Pearson, and Noah, Connor, Nicholas and Tessa Knezic. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, by his parents, and by his siblings: John Knezic, Frank Knezic, George Knezic and Veronica Corrado. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). Those wishing to sign Steve’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.