Chad Stecker

In Loving Memory of Chad Richard Stecker Our family was not prepared for Chad’s life to be cut so short, so soon. Chad Stecker was born on October 3, 1990 and passed away on August 19, 2025. We are devastated by this profound loss, and he will be forever missed. From the moment he was born, Chad carried a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold, and a big smile for everyone he met. He loved spending time with family and friends more than anything else in the world. Chad loved the outdoors whether skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, or simply relaxing on the beach, he embraced every opportunity to enjoy nature. He grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he developed a love for the game of lacrosse. He graduated from Western Michigan University and spent nearly three years living in Alaska before returning to Northern Michigan. Chad took pride in his work and found fulfillment in giving back to his community. He volunteered with the Special Olympics in Anchorage and served as a community sailing instructor on Boardman Lake in Traverse City. He will be remembered with love by his family; his mother and stepfather, Joanne (Stecker) and Bruce Butzier; his father and fiancé, Rick Stecker and Paula Pioch; his siblings Brittany (Joshua) Mason, Jon (Elizabeth) Butzier, Julie (Patrick) Defever, and Jean (Chris) Cameron; and Paula’s children - Jack (Brittney) Pioch Jr., and Kristi Siegel, including his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. Chad was also deeply loved by countless friends he had made throughout his life. Chad’s light, laughter, and love will live on in all of us. Family will receive friends, Friday, August 29, 2025, 1:00-4:30pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak. Funeral service to follow 4:30pm.at funeral home. The family requests that those who wish to honor Chad Stecker’s memory consider making a donation in his name to one of the following organizations: - The Nature Conservancy at preserve.nature.org - Traverse Area Community Sailing - Adaptive Sailing at www.tacsailing.org/adaptive-sailing

Chad Stecker

October 3, 1990 - August 19, 2025