Obituary of Stephen Allen Churchfield

Our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Stephen Allen Churchfield passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Stephen was born on February 22, 1934 to the late Ambrose and Ima (Stanford) Churchfield. He was born and raised in Midland County, graduating from Midland High School in 1952.  He married the love of his life, Connie May Dehn on February 1, 1958 at St. Brigid's Church, where he was a lifelong member. They spent 65 loving years together, until Connie passed away on January 18, 2023.  They could not live without each other.  Stephen proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, as an aircraft mechanic. He worked for The Dow Chemical Company for 40 years, retiring as a master electrician.

As a younger man, Stephen was a top slow pitch softball pitcher (or as they called it Mush ball, due to the fact that the ball would become soft and mushy during the game). He was an All Star bowler at Northern Lanes for many years. He also enjoyed throwing horse shoes down at Emerson Park. He passed on his love for sports to his family, and he loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate.  In the summer he loved spending time with his family at Wixom Lake. Fishing, boating, grilling and having bon fires.  After retiring from Dow, Stephen loved working in his yard and garden, planting and recording the results of his work.  He also enjoyed walking with his friends in the Midland Mall, and in the summer on the hospital trails. He and Connie always looked forward to their Friday dinner club with friends.   In the winters, he loved traveling with Connie on their snow bird adventures to Perdido Key, Florida, where they would spend time with their friends and family. 

Stephen was a loyal friend to many. After he lost his vision, with the help of his friends he was able to continue to do all the things he loved and enjoyed. We are extremely grateful to all of Stephens friends. He and Connie were the epitome of love, sacrifice, and giving. They were a team, who took care of each other every single day.  You hardly found one without the other. Stephen gave his wife, family, and friends the greatest gift which was how to treat one another with love and respect. 

He is survived by his children, Daniel (Maureen) Churchfield, Stephanie Stanley (Eric Schlorff), Jeff (Sarah) Churchfield, and Amy (Scott) Lasky; grandchildren, Corey, Jonathan, Devon, Ethan, Sophie, Jake, Ben, Hannah, and Noah; and great-grandchildren, Emma and Ivy; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom he loved very much.  Stephen was preceded in death by his loving wife, Connie; brother, Robert (Bob) Churchfield; and his sister, Mary Ann (Vickroy). 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the incredible care Stephen received at Stratford Pines, and by MyMichigan Hospice. With a special thanks to his hospice nurse Jesseca, and Stratford Pines nurse Jenny, and the many nurses, CNAs, and staff.   

A memorial service for both Stephen and Connie will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to MyMichigan Hospice, or the Midland Senior services. 

 

Stephen was the most kind, generous, and loving man, who would do anything for his friends and family.  

He was the "Salt of the Earth"  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

 

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