Stephen J. Linsenmeyer

Stephen J. Linsenmeyer, 86 (February 20, 1928 - January 11, 2015) Steve was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 20, 1928 to Jules & Eleanor (Loeffler) Linsenmeyer. From an early age he had a passion for flying and began taking flying lessons at 13. At 17, he joined the Navy, earned his 'Wings of Gold' and flew as an aviator in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. A proud WWII and Korean War veteran, Steve earned a WWII Victory Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star. After serving on active duty in the Navy, Steve returned to Michigan where he studied engineering at the University of Detroit and was a Lieutenant with the US Naval Reserve. In 1956, Steve met his future bride on a blind date. After a brief courtship, Steve and Jan McIntyre were married on June 12, 1957 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe, Michigan, and together they raised 8 children. They enjoyed traveling abroad and made many happy memories at 'Das Jagdhaus', their cabin in the northern woods of Michigan, where the family hunted, played cards, and entertained friends. In his spare time, Steve built an authentic replica of a WWI Sopwith Pup which he later donated to a museum. Steve worked for the Monroe Auto Equipment Company as a salesman, an engineer, Director of Service and Director of the Racing division. He later became a real estate agent in Monroe and was then a partner in the Ann Arbor Railroad. A member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Steve served as a Eucharistic minister and lector. Despite much practice, he could never get through the verse 'Fathers, do not provoke your children' (Ephesians 6:4) without a smile. After Jan's passing in 1995, Steve became a full-time resident of Marco Island, Florida. He enjoyed rollerblading, sailboat racing, trap shooting, and flying his T-6 ‘Texan’. An avid reader, Steve was knowledgeable on a variety of subjects and was especially helpful answering questions in the years before Google. A man with many blessings, his greatest treasure was his family. He is survived by Bruce & Julie Dunbar of Ann Arbor, MI; Fritz & Judi Linsenmeyer of San Antonio, TX; Eric & Heidi Linsenmeyer of Monroe, MI; Prudy Hammonds of Plano, TX; Bill & Tammie Jo Linsenmeyer of Bishkek, Krygzstan; Bill & Amy Bacarella of Monroe, MI; Kurt Linsenmeyer of Lambertville, MI; Victor and Betsy Ferlaino of Lake St. Louis, MO. PopPops relished teasing his grandchildren & great-grandchildren: Donald Dunbar, Mark & Stella, Charlie & Baby Dunbar, Caroline Dunbar; Steve & Stephanie, Davis & Ella Baker, Gunther Linsenmeyer & Cari Archer; Ryleigh Linsenmeyer; Sara Sardina, Janelle Hammonds; Patrick Linsenmeyer, Benedict Linsenmeyer, Rebecca Linsenmeyer, Savannah Linsenmeyer; Maranda Bacarella, Olivia Bacarella, Ian Bacarella; Scott Russell, Oskar Linsenmeyer; Nicolette Ferlaino, Isabella Ferlaino, and Nicolas Ferlaino. Steve loved and is survived by his brother, Dr. Charles & Ginny Linsenmeyer of St. Charles, MO; and sister, Charlotte & Jerry Kelly of Lisle, IL. Steve was a character, and always left an impression on those he met. He had a great personality, was a wonderful story teller, and was generous and thoughtful to those whom he loved best. His hands were skilled at fixing almost anything, but remained soft, and those who knew him knew his heart was softer. On Sunday, January 11, 2015, Steve received his reward in heaven. He was reunited with his wife and parents; his father and mother in law, William D. Sr., and Prudence A. McIntyre; two sisters in law, Prudy Ann McIntyre and Sharon (McIntyre) Malone; a nephew and godson, Mike Linsenmeyer; and three nieces, Mary Therese Linsenmeyer, Jennifer Payne, and Jody Payne. We are confident he is finally enjoying 'Peace, quiet, and a few kind words.' Visitation will be held at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, on Friday, January 16 from 2-8 pm where a scripture service will be held at 5 pm. On Saturday, January 17 he will lie in state at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church from 1 pm until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 2 pm. Fr. Karl J. Kiser, SJ and Fr. James Smalarz will concelebrate. Steve will be interred next to his beloved wife, Jan, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe, where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial gifts to honor Steve's life may be made to the University of Detroit High School, the American Lung Association or the Admiral Nimitz Foundation.