Stephen Scott Kurecka

Stephen Scott Kurecka, 37, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones following a brief and brave battle with Lymphoma.

Stephen was born on December 5, 1985 and grew up in Chesaning, MI. He studied at Central Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He spent his career working for the State of Michigan in various roles with the Department of Health and Human Services and recently began a new job within the Department of Legislative Affairs as a Departmental Analyst. Stephen was a dedicated public servant and spent over a decade with the State of Michigan and was well respected and trusted by all his colleagues for his knowledge and passion for his work.

Stephen’s love of politics transcended beyond his degree and career and he loved writing his own political blog and sharing his love of democracy with others. He was a true believer of the power each individual in this country has to effect change and was an advocate for the rights of all.

Stephen was an avid runner, running in the Chicago marathon, many half marathons, 10ks and 5ks. Stephen also enjoyed karaoke on Thursday nights with his core group of friends. He even had a stint as Rocky in the Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast in Grand Rapids for a time, making everyone laugh with his antics on stage.

Stephen was also an ordained minister and performed wedding ceremonies for his loved ones, including his sister, Stacey. His wit, charm, and authenticity made for a beautiful and cherished memory for those whom he provided this gift.

Loved ones describe Stephen as kind, dependable, hardworking, and able to make others smile with his wit and sarcasm. He had the biggest heart and respected all living things; he was even known to save spiders to put them back outside.

In 2016, he met his future wife, Leah, and both knew very early on that their relationship was special and meant to be. He proposed in 2019 and despite the setback from having to postpone their wedding a year due to COVID, they finally shared the best day of their lives on September 24, 2021. He was a wonderful husband and always remembered to take the garbage out. He and Leah also shared a miniature goldendoodle named Gerry who loved tug of war rounds with Stephen.

He is survived by his wife, Leah Lappan; mother, Fran; father, John; sisters, Sarah Kurecka, Stacey (Aaron) Blehm; nephews, Caleb and Connor; parents-in-law, John and Denise Lappan; brother-in-law, Nicholas Lappan; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services will be held 2 pm Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 1-2 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made in Stephen’s name to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and the Immune Deficiency Foundation.