Michael’s Story

Site created on April 28, 2020

You may know Mike from his work at the Potawatomi Wildlife Park (http://www.getintonature.com) where he's been the Park Manager since 1991. You might know Mike from his time as a Scout Leader over the years, even his Astronomy club involvement and church involvement.  He might be a friend, a relative, or someone who you just met because of a friend or relative.

No matter how you came here, you're welcome and your help is needed. 

The Stephan family has had it tough. Sharon Stephan (https://www.facebook.com/sstephan5) Mike's wife was diagnosed with a rare cancer Multiple Myeloma (https://themmrf.org) back in May 2005. We know numbers are just numbers. Sharon had bad odds and yet she has fought and 15 years later is here and supporting Mike a lot during this time. 

The odds can be beaten, and I want to make that clear. 

Mike & Sharon also have two children, Zoee (https://www.facebook.com/zoee.stephan) and Wyatt (https://www.facebook.com/wyatt.stephan.1) Stephan. 

Zoee just graduated Penn State University in December and Wyatt will graduate Purdue University this coming winter in December. They've had a tough time as well, dealing with the shadow of cancer in their family for a long time. But they are awesome and great kids who have always worked hard to help their family. They still are, and during this COVID time, God has blessed both of them to be there helping their family. .



See the original post here (or scroll below): https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikestephan/journal/view/id/5ea97dc6d73a097f77827cf0

Newest Update

Journal entry by Mark Stephan

Hello all!

This is Mark Stephan, Mike's brother.

This is a reminder that tomorrow at 2 PM is Mike's memorial service.
Below are the details. We encourage people to come early and enjoy the park, walk the trails, and have a picknick. 

Here are the details you need to know:
  • Date: Sunday, July 26th
  • Time: 2pm
  • RSVP Linkhttps://www.facebook.com/events/328076251923551/
  • Location:
    Bessinger Pavilion, Potawatomi Wildlife Park  -- On the right side of the lane as you drive back into the park. There should be enough parking. 
  • Address
    • 16998 State Road 331 
      Tippecanoe, Indiana 46570
  • PicnickingHiking: While you're there, come early and have a picnic and/or hike at the park!
    Park info: http://www.getintonature.com/  Consider wearing bug spray if you're hiking. 
  • COVID Recommendations: You're pros by now. Keep these things in mind. 
    • Consider bringing your own chairs for sitting so you can socially distance.
    • Bring hand sanitizer and extra masks. 
    • Indiana is starting a mandatory Mask wearing in public starting on Monday. We know it's inconvenient and we wish COVID was gone by now, but please be considerate of others, wear a mask if you can, and social distance as appropriate, especially around the elderly and immune-compromised people.
    • NOTE: The last thing Mike would want is people getting deathly ill at his Memorial service. 
  • Refreshments: Keeping it simple for COVID, only cold bottles of water will be supplied. We definitely encourage you to come early/stay late for picnicking. 
  • Weather: High: 89; 10% chance of rain. Looks like a beautiful warm day. 
The event:
Expect it to last about an hour.
We will have a time for you to share your memories of Mike if you'd like to prepare something to say. 

Lost? Questions?
  • Contact: Mark Stephan: +1-512-415-2995
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