Steven Alan Porath

Steven Alan Porath, age 64, of Gladstone, passed away Saturday evening, March 19, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on April 19, 1957 in Ishpeming, MI, the son of Harold A. and Nancy E. (Doremire) Porath. Steven was raised in Wells and attended Escanaba High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 13, 1974 and served his country until he was honorably discharged on May 3, 1977. Steven married the former Peggy Huston on July 1, 1978 in Gladstone and together shared 43 years of marriage. He began his working career at Sturgeon Bay Shipyard as a stager and later worked at Hatco Corporation in Sturgeon Bay as a sheet metal operator. In 1984, the family relocated to Gladstone where they had the opportunity to purchase Bud’s Grocery Store. They owned and operated the local business for 20 years. They also owned a computer shop in Escanaba called “Price Busters” for 4 years. He then became an over-the-road truck driver until he was employed as an instructor for Midwest Truck Driving School. Steven owned apartment buildings in the area and was a jack of all trades performing all of the maintenance on them. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing pool, and working in his garden.

Steven and his wife, Peggy, were foster parents for over 20 years and ran a Teaching Family Home. They fostered numerous children throughout the years until 2016. Steven was a true father figure in the home, working with the children and teaching them to never give up. He made an impact on so many young lives that will never be forgotten.

Steven is survived by his wife, Peggy Porath of Gladstone; children, Sarah Vietzke of Frederick, MD, Stephanie (Shadd) Sanville of Escanaba, Rachael Van Damme of Rapid River, Joshua Porath of Green Bay, WI, and Michael Porath of Bentonville, AR; grandchildren, Alice, Hazel, Rylee, Ashley, Lilith, and Alyssa; many foster children, including Alexis Hunsberger of Gwinn, MI; biological father, David (Diane) Bray of Pewaukee, WI; siblings, Cindy (Patrick) Martin of Escanaba, Pam (Jim) Beauchamp of Riverland, Lisa (Doug) VanDrese of Cornell, Brian (Janean) Bray of Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Victoria) Bray of Goodyear, AZ, Kellie (Ryan) Kilde of Pardeeville, WI, Katie (Eric) Schmitt of Sussex, WI, and Daniel (Siri) Bray of West Allis, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Steven was preceded in death by his sisters, Debra Thompson, and Sandra Elya.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors and funeral services celebrating the life of Steven will follow at 4:00 p.m., Friday, at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Escanaba with Rev. Paul Doletzky officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall.

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