В Гвинне скончался 69-летний Стивен Ванлерберг, известный своей 40-летней трезвостью и любовью к автомобилям

Trending GWINN, MI - Steven Joseph Vanlerberghe, age 69, of Gwinn, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026. Steven was born May 11, 1957, in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, a son of Reynold and Grace (Hutchens) Vanlerberghe. He was raised in Marquette and graduated from Marquette Senior High School with the Class of 1975. Following graduation, Steven moved to Minnesota where he was employed with Pinkerton Security for five years. He later began a career in the automotive industry, first working as an automotive reconditioner and later becoming an auto body man. Steven eventually returned to the Upper Peninsula, making his home in the Gwinn area. He worked in the construction industry as a builder and repairman and especially enjoyed using his skills to help others. Steven was very proud of his more than 40 years of sobriety and was committed to helping others on their own journey of recovery. Over the years, he often hosted and led Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, offering encouragement, support, and friendship to those who needed it. In his leisure time, Steven enjoyed woodworking and creating wood crafts and especially enjoyed attending wood craft shows. His love of automobiles remained with him throughout his life, and he particularly enjoyed working on old cars and helping his brother, Scott, repair and restore classic automobiles. Steven was always happiest when he was working with his hands, fixing something, or lending his skills to help someone else. He also enjoyed the companionship of his beloved canine companion, Roxie. Steven is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Brent) McBee of Calumet; his two grandchildren, Joshua and Liam McBee of Calumet; his siblings, Scott (Debbie) Vanlerberghe of Marquette, Sherry (George) Sodergren of Oklahoma, Carol Vanlerberghe of Oklahoma, and Reynold (Sherry) Vanlerberghe of Oklahoma; nephews, Tommy Vanlerberghe of Ishpeming and Jordan Vanlerberghe (Hannah Wedgeworth) of Negaunee; nieces, Jamie (Zac Kantola) Vanlerberghe of Negaunee and Majestic Vanlerberghe of Ishpeming; his canine companion, Roxie; and numerous other relatives and friends. Steven was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Chris. Visitation will be at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, August 28, beginning at 11:00 am. A celebration of Steven's life will be held at 12:00 noon, followed by a luncheon in the funeral home reception room. Burial will take place in Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS). Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.