BOURBON – Michael D. Stephan, 51, of Tippecanoe, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 5 a.m. at his home, in the loving care of his family and hospice.
Michael, the son of David and Mary Mills Stephan, was born on Sept. 24, 1968, in Huntington County. Mike was a graduate of Huntington North High School, class of 1987. He graduated from Huntington University in 1991 with a degree in biology.
He married the love of his life, Sharon Bolin, on June 4, 1988.
Mike managed and was the executive director of the Potawatomi Wildlife Park for almost 29 years. He was a very active and well-loved member of the community and surrounding area.
He had many hobbies and interests. Mike was a HAM radio operator with the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club of Warsaw and the Plymouth American Radio League. He also volunteered at AERS/RACES. He worked with the Northern Indiana Research and Recovery Club as a Sky Warn weather spotter, tracking tornadoes and assessing damages they caused. Mike was the first to create a Dark Sky preserve in Indiana and was a member of the Warsaw Astronomy Club.
He was also incredibly involved with Boy Scouting and is the current Scout Master of the Plymouth Pack 251. He has had an enormous impact on the lives of many Scouts. He also helped his children and many others with 4-H projects. He enjoyed many outings such as ghost hunting and camping as well. Mike did so much and was above all, a man of God, loved Jesus and attended the Pleasant View Bible Church in Warsaw.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; daughter, Zoee Stephan; and son, Wyatt Stephan; along with brothers, Joe (wife Kathy) Stephan, of Lagro; and Mark Stephan, of Austin, Texas. His parents, David and Mary Stephan, of Andrews; survive as well, along with his paternal grandmother, Zelma Bitzer, of Lagro.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lester Stephan; maternal grandparents, Charles and Lucille Mills Sr.; and paternal stepgrandfather, George Bitzer.
He was and still is, loved by his family and many friends.
Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be graveside services only. The family will hold a celebration of Michael’s life at a later date to be determined after restrictions are lifted. Burial will be held at St. Paul’s County Line Cemetery in Andrews at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9.
Deaton Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, is privileged to be entrusted in assisting the family with arrangements.
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Memorials to Potawatomi Wildlife Park “Michael Stephan Memorial.” Donation boxes for the park or to help the family will be located at the burial service.
