Steven Walter Nobis

     Steven Walter “Steve” Nobis, age 76, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Fowler, Michigan, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, in Fowler, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 5:00-8:30 p.m., with a Rosary being prayed at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
     He was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on June 29, 1950, the son of Walter and Nellie (Sillman) Nobis, and grew up as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was raised on a farm in Fowler, where he became his dad’s right-hand man and learned a strong work ethic. He fondly remembered the time he spent on the farm with his cousins, where they created lasting memories and developed life-long bonds that remained special throughout the years. He graduated from Fowler High School in 1968, and later attended Lansing Community College, studying criminal justice. On August 1, 1974, Steve began his law enforcement career with Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, as a Dispatch/Corrections Officer, and graduated from the Mid-Michigan Police Academy in November of 1975. He served the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and the public with pride and distinction for 31 ½ years. In that time, he held a number of positions, including Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Road Patrol Sergeant, Acting Jail Administrator, and Administrative Sergeant. During the course of his career with Clinton County, he received numerous citations and commendations for criminal investigations, special assignments and projects, awards from the State of Michigan Traffic Safety Commission, and served as the resource officer for career days in Fowler and Pewamo-Westphalia Schools. He was honored by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners for work in child abuse and neglect cases, and was selected Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year in 1986. He demonstrated a commitment to excellence in public service. He had a lifetime dedicated to working with young people in the Police Academy, served as Liaison for Clinton County Intermediate Schools and worked with Criminal Justice interns to broaden their understanding of Law Enforcement. Steve retired from Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, but continued serving the public as a Deputy at Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office until 2010, working in court and administrative positions. Steve truly demonstrated a commitment to public service through his passion for excellence and was a role model to all. 
     On April 30, 1971, Steve married Jane Fox at Most Holy Trinity Rectory in Fowler. Steve adored Jane and loved her wholeheartedly. Steve treated Jane like a queen, setting the bar high for his sons-in-law. Together, Steve and Jane were blessed with four beautiful daughters, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
     In 1985, Steve joined Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he served as President of the Parish Pastoral Council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and later served on the Most Holy Trinity Cemetery Committee. Steve’s strong faith was the foundation of his life, and he lived each day in service to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
     Steve and Jane raised their family in Fowler, and in 2010, they moved to St. Johns, but remained devoted members of Most Holy Trinity parish. Steve was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather of fourteen grandchildren. Nothing brought him more pleasure than spending time with his family. He shared a special bond with each of his grandchildren, creating cherished memories and a unique connection with every one of them.
     Steve enjoyed golfing and relished the time spent with his golf buddies, on and off the course. He was also a bit obsessed with tending to his yard (and often the yards of neighbors). It was not unusual to see him outside with a bucket or rake, quietly helping wherever he was needed. 
     He was an avid University of Michigan fan (perhaps not quite as avid as Jane!). Go Blue!
     His legacy lives on through the family he loved and cherished, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched with his love, kindness, humor, and unwavering friendship.  He will be missed deeply, forever loved, and never forgotten!
     Steve is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters: Kelly Nobis-Montgomery (Daniel Montgomery), Kami (Neil) Swenson, Stephanie (Sean) Dush, and Danielle (Kirk) Platte; and his beloved grandchildren: Maxwell, John “Jack”, and Frederick Montgomery; Londyn, Claudia, and Josie Swenson; Baylie Dush (Derek Bengel), Ruby Dush (Charlie Hertzer), Brody Dush, and Linzie “Lulu” Dush; and Turner, Barrett, Milo, and Cambell Platte. He is also survived by his sisters: Cindy Hilton and Bonnie Nobis; brothers-in-law: Daniel Fox and Andy Faull; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Susan and Ralph Pung, and Mary and Alan Harr, and sister-in-law Judy Fox; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nellie Nobis; his in-laws, Paul and Helen Fox; his sister Melissa Faull; and brothers-in-law: William Fox, and Mark Hilton. 
     Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association for Type 1 Diabetes, in honor of Steve’s grandson, Milo, who was diagnosed at 11 months old, and to Most Holy Trinity School. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.