Dennis "Steve" Steven Spade

Services will be private

Dennis "Steve" Steven Spade, age 69, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Swanton, died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on March 8, 1948 in Toledo to the late Dennis H. Spade and Soffee (Stevens) Spade Batdorf. Steve married Sharon Dickinson on June 16, 1966. He was a truck driver for Chrysler/Jeep for many years; retiring in 2008.

Steve enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Bird Lake in Michigan. He was a past president of the Northwest Ohio Trappers Association. Steve was an entertainer, and was known for hosting yearly Halloween parties, where he loved to dance and perform magic tricks for all the kids. For the last few years Steve and Sharon spent the winter months in Florida.

Steve lived on his own terms, mainly those terms were to have a good time and to ensure that those who surrounded him were enjoying themselves. Always the life of the party, Steve could be counted on for a kind word, a funny story and a welcoming embrace. He had an ever present gleam in his eye, like he knew something that you didn't. So approachable people were drawn to him as a if his personality were a powerful magnet. Husband, father, grandfather, friend, life of the party; whatever role he assumed, he took it on enthusiastically. He was a man that could turn a bad mood into a good and a good mood into great. Clearly he was a man who enjoyed his time on earth, accompanied by those he cared about. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and will be greatly missed.

He didn't want us to be sad, he wanted us to celebrate life with our loved ones. We know he is here with us celebrating.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Sharon Spade; daughters, Stacey (Lonnie) Eason, Shawna (RT) Crawford, and Shelby (Gary) Lancaster; grandchildren, T.J. Moore, Marissa (Jacob) Kraegel, Allison, Paige, and Libby Crawford, and Ruby Lancaster; great-grandchildren, Bella and Mallie Kraegel; brother, Larry (Terry) Spade; mother-in-law, Millie Wright; and aunt, Jennie Michalkiewicz.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sandra Gregg.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the University of Michigan Cancer Center.

Services will be private.

Residence: Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of Swanton