Cover photo for Stephen Park Peck's Obituary
Stephen Park Peck Profile Photo
1944 Stephen 2021

Stephen Park Peck

June 28, 1944 — March 10, 2021

Stephen Park Peck (76) passed away on March 10, 2021, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Steve was born at Kelly Air Corps Field, San Antonio, Texas to Major James and Elfa (Stiver) Peck on June 28, 1944. As a child he lived in Texas and many other places across the United States graduating from high school in Tenafly, NJ. He was proud to be a Texan but called Michigan home.

Steve earned a bachelor's degree from Franklin College in Indiana and a master's degree in counseling from Indiana University. When asked if he rooted for Michigan State or Michigan, he would always say "I went to IU".
Steve was a Licensed Professional Counselor and retired from the State of Michigan as a counselor for Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

Steve earned the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America in June 1958 (Troop 140 Tenafly NJ). He was privileged to attend the National Jamboree at Valley Forge in 1957.
He was a life-long member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon serving as Franklin College Chapter President in 1965.
Steve was a hospice volunteer for several years and volunteered for the American Red Cross for 13 years in Disaster Services and Services to Armed Forces. He was also a docent at Binder Park Zoo for 25 years. He especially enjoyed working on education programs for young children.

Hot air ballooning was a special activity for Steve and Sandy, his wife of 43 years. He was the pilot of Skybird and Gypsy Wind and enjoyed sharing his passion with others. Prior to becoming a pilot, he was an event official for Hot Air Balloon World Championships in Battle Creek, Japan, Quebec, and Luxembourg.

There were many medical and personal challenges throughout Steve's life. Through faith and the support of family, friends and good doctors, he embraced and found much joy in life. He was an avid, eclectic reader and collector. Some of his collecting interests included: Postal stationary, Red Cross books and historical items and all things hot air ballooning,
Steve was most proud of his family including his wife, Sandy, children Mike and Kim, and especially his grandchildren, Taylor and Justin. He enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments in school and sports, but most importantly the exceptional young adults they have become.

Steve and Sandy loved to travel. They enjoyed experiencing new cultures and many adventures on challenging roads. There were many great trips with their grandchildren with the highlight being a family Christmas at Walt Disney World.
Steve is survived by his wife Sandy (Carl), son Michael Griffith, "daughter in law " Kimberly (Richards) and grandchildren Taylor Ann and Justin Michael Griffith. He was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Elfa Peck, sister Susan Buck, and beloved Aunt Ina Manning.

A Memorial Visitation for friends to gather to support the family will be held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N. Marshall MI 49068 on Friday, June 11 from 6 - 8 p.m.. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday prior to the service. The gathering on Saturday will be outdoors where a hot air balloon will be set up in Stephen's honor. At the conclusion of the gathering time everyone will move inside to the funeral chapel for the Celebration of Life Service. Memorial contributions may be given to Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014, https://binderparkzoo.org/ , the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015, https://hsscm.org/ or a charity or the donor's choice. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book or leave messages for the family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Park Peck, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Visitation

Saturday, June 12, 2021

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

723 US Highway 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

723 US Highway 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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