Fred Elmer Stevens

Stevens, Fred Elmer Fred Elmer Stevens, age 69, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed peacefully from this life Friday evening, December 19, 2014, at Metro Health Hospital, in the presence of dear and faithful friends, who were his family. Special thanks goes out to Thresholds’ workers Gale, Deb, Janine, Amy, his Tendercare family, his attorney Amy, Faith Hospice and others. Fred’s mother preceded him in death. Fred was happily anticipating his 70th birthday on December 31. During his years with us, Fred had an uncanny way of leaving an imprint on those with whom he came in contact. He had great friends at his Lake Drive Apartments, Peggy, Melinda, to name a few. If you “got” Fred, if you were paying attention, your time together was memorable! Fred could be seen making his rounds throughout the greater Grand Rapids area, on foot or by bus, heading to and going from places. His curiosity about people and places seemed boundless! If you needed to learn bus routes, ride with Fred, he’d point you in the right direction. One story given was that Fred was the “big Boss” on number 9. The people he came in contact with were varied in number and scope. On one day, Fred might pay an unscheduled visit to the mayor or chief of police, and get invited in! On another day he might connect with a stranger on the bus or sidewalk. Fred did not discriminate. Fred had many adopted families along his journey, including Jim and Mary and his “sisters” Jeanne, Jaynie and Julie. The reach of his connections were vast! Fred generated love, goodwill, but mostly wonderful stories. You came away from Fred, wondering what sort of wonderful encounter just occurred! There might be laughter, disbelief, wonder. How many of us are lucky enough to have friends that do this for us? Despite Fred seemingly being alone in this world, it was very evident that Fred was in this world for all of us to share and experience the joy of giving, being compassionate, having a true friend and knowing what unconditional really means. This spirit is exactly why his timely death at Christmas is so appropriate, including an old priestly connection, Father Nick, (lovingly referred to as “St Nick”), who reestablished Fred’s old church connection. Fred is now in the heavenly arms of the ultimate gift given at Christmas, our Savior, Jesus. Thank you for this precious life. Funeral services for Fred will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Drive NE, Grand Rapids, with Fr. Nick Marcus presiding. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet at the church on Tuesday from 9-11 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for Fred’s funeral costs.