Edwin "Ned" Stedem Jr.

Edwin Stedem Jr., affectionately known as Ned, of Naples, Florida and Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 7, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio.

Ned shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marilyn, whom he married on January 20, 1968. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Ned believed deeply that the “road to greatness started at home”. He was the proud father of three children, Susan (and her husband, Steven Lesha), Brad (and Solenne Lestelle dit Olivé), and Ted (and his wife Hillary Eady Stedem). He was a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren: Steven, Katie, and Matthew Lesha; Stark Stedem; and Teddy, Charlie, and Andy Stedem. Ned was preceded in death by his father, Edwin J. Stedem, his mother Virginia Stedem, and his sister, Lynnanne Adkins. His family was the joy of his life, and he took great pride in watching them grow and thrive.

Ned spent the entirety of his 33-year career in the auto industry with Ford Motor Company, working in several different functions, including finance, manufacturing and sales and marketing. Before joining Ford, he had an equally diverse academic career, starting in pre-med at Dartmouth, majoring in history at Ohio State, and finishing with a law degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Columbia University. He also served on nonprofit boards for over 30 years, primarily in health care and education. He was an active member of St. Paul Parish in Michigan and St. William’s Parish in Naples, Florida.

Ned believed that “all truly wise thoughts have been thought of already”, and he was a true renaissance man with a tremendous passion for poetry, literature, art, photography, history, and travel. He enjoyed working with his hands, matting and framing his photographs and hanging them on the walls of his homes and building beautiful pieces of wood furniture. In retirement, he decided to coalesce his favorite thoughts, and he authored an inspirational book called ‘If you’re coasting, you’re going downhill’ on his life lessons to crystallize the “wisdom of the ages” along the road to happiness.

Family and friends will gather to honor Ned’s memory in Naples, Florida at Saint William Catholic Church on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Visitation will be at 10:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

We will gather for a day of remembrance in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church on Friday, May, 22 2026. Visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am and Inurnment at St. Paul Columbarium immediately following the mass.

Ned will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his warmth, wisdom, and laughter will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all who crossed his path. When asked to give a toast, Ned drew on Luke 6:38, words written almost two thousand years ago: “Give and it will be given to you.”

Ned would end his toast reminding his listeners: “the only love we get to keep is the love we give away.” We know that he departed with his heart overflowing with love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NCH Center for Philanthropy in Naples, Florida, Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida or Ascension St. John Foundation in Detroit, Michigan.