Stephen B. Wert

Stephen B. Wert died at home, in the company of family, in Jenison, MI, on January 13, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. He was just 52 years old.

Steve, the son of John H. and Martha (Stevenson) Wert, was born September 24, 1969, in Royal Oak, Michigan. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1987 and attended the University of Michigan, from which he earned a B.A. in History in 1991.

Steve was employed as an investment advisor for over 20 years. For the past three years, he had been president of UpPayment, a provider of payment processing solutions.

Despite his struggles, with cancer and otherwise, Steve’s quick, wry humor never failed him. His ready grin and dry asides kept those around him smiling.

Steve was an avid University of Michigan sports fan, prepared to criticize a third-down play call or cheer for a timely three-pointer. He loved the feel of a well-struck nine iron on a demanding golf course on a gorgeous summer day, and the sound of the ball falling into the cup. He also enjoyed the wind on his face while boating on Lake Michigan, the gentle summer air in Harbor Springs, and lazy days on a Nantucket beach with family. His devoted dog, Tucker, was at his side through thick and thin.

But above all, Steve’s children, Spencer, Emma, and Lilly, were his pride and joy. He treasured each of them for their individual gifts. His love for them was strong and unwavering, and it endures beyond his passing. For them, he fought fiercely, through the many challenges he faced in his much-too-short lifetime.

Steve is survived by his three children; his father, John; his siblings, John Jr. (Sherry) of Bryn Mawr, PA, Robert of Evanston, IL, and Elizabeth Raymond (Mike) of East Grand Rapids, MI; and his former spouse, Jane Spies-Wert, of East Grand Rapids, MI.

Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI. The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful You at 4669 Alpine Avenue NW, Suite A, Comstock Park, MI 49321 (https://beautifulyoubyprofile.org); or the American Cancer Society.

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