Howard Stepnitz Jr.

STEPNITZ, Howard E.W. , “Howie”, age 68, a life-long resident of Rochester, was summoned to life eternal with his God in heaven on May 2, 2012. He was born August 21, 1943, to the late Howard and Lillian Stepnitz. A 1961 graduate of Rochester High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was the owner of the Big Apple Restaurant in Waterford for many years. Howie was the Past President of the Rochester Lions Club and a founding member of the Waterford Business Association, now known as the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and a long-time and devoted member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Loving husband, friend and partner in life of his beloved Ethel, whom he married October 23, 1964. Dear father of Eric (Jane) Stepnitz of Ann Arbor and Christopher (Jenell) Stepnitz of Clawson. Adored grandfather of Kathryn, Nikalas, Abigail, and Meghan. “Chosen Father” of Susan Enright, Scott Ratzenberger and Marissa Ratzenberger . Brother of Arleen Hedgelin, Janice (Donald) Rigney and the late Ron Stepnitz. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 3795 Sashabaw Road in Waterford, the Rev. E. Dale Evanson and the Rev. Chad M. Speller, officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mt. Avon Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation Sunday 3-8 p.m. at PIXLEY FUNERAL HOME, 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester. The family has requested that rather than flowers, that memorial contributions in Howie’s name be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 3795 Sashabaw Rd., Waterford, MI 48329 or Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308 www.pixleyfh.com