Stephen "Steve" VanPelt Mairs, 82, of Whitehall, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born August 13, 1939, in New York, New York, the son of Robert and Oma Fae (VanPelt) Mairs.

Steve grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and was both a scholar as well as renowned athlete. Steve completed his education at Columbia College in 1961. He began his work career as a high school teacher, coach, EMT, and firefighter. He then pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales. Steve ultimately became Manager of State Government Affairs for the Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, a position from which he would retire. He was particularly fond of the East Coast having lived in many of the New England states throughout his life. Thus, he was a diehard New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan.  Steve was chairman of the Board of Selectman in Hartford, Vermont as well as heavily involved with volunteer fire fighters and EMTs. He was also very involved in his community and his membership in the Elks Club.

While getting medical treatment, Steve found his true love, Cheryl Kienke, and they set out and established a life that revolved around family and friends. The two of them were married for 31 years, and Steve would always say it felt like yesterday when he first met Cheryl. Steve and Cheryl were actively involved in their church, St. Peter's By-The-Lake Episcopal Church in Montague.

After his retirement, he and Cheryl resided on the south side of White Lake, enjoy the stunning evening sunsets on his patio overlooking the water. Steve was an avid golfer and member of the White Lake Country Club. He enjoyed wintering down in Hilton Head Island allowing him to play golf year-round with many of his friends. He was also an avid outdoorsman, particularly keen on deer and turkey hunting, something he especially enjoyed with his oldest son.

On September 30, 1990, Steve married Cheryl (Kienke) Mairs, and she survives him. He is also survived by: his children, Stephen (Yadi) Mairs, Greg (Rodrigo Lima) Mairs, Tracy (Jeff) McEvoy, Lisa Hoover, and John Ebersole; many grand and great grandchildren; his siblings, Robert (Martha) Mairs, Meredith Inman, and Debbie (Don) Gardiner.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Oma Fae.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Saturday, December 11, 2021, at St. Peter's By-The-Lake Episcopal Church, 8435 Old Channel Trail, Montague, MI 49437, with The Rev. David C. Meyers presiding. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Montague. Visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's By-The-Lake Episcopal Church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com