Steven Eugene Strand

     Steven Eugene "Steve" Strand, age 66, of Ithaca, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on March 2, 2026.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5-7 P.M. and again, on Friday, from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In Steve's honor, the family requests guest to wear their best flannel and jeans to the visitation and funeral service.
     Steve was born April 4, 1959, in Detroit, MI Steve grew up in Deer Lodge, Tennessee and St. Louis, Michigan, graduating in 1977 from St. Louis High School. He was a simple man who lived life on his own terms — steady, strong, and true to who he was. Loyal to a fault, Steve loved fiercely and protected the people closest to him with quiet strength and unwavering devotion.
     He married his high school sweetheart, Tammy, in October of 1978. For 47 beautiful years, they built a life rooted in love, faithfulness, hard work, and family. Together they created a home that became the heart of every gathering — a place where everyone was welcome and memories were made around backyard bonfires, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations.
     Steve was a proud husband, an incredibly devoted dad, and the most adoring grandfather. His grandbabies were his treasures — the true joy of his life. There was nothing he loved more than watching them grow, cheering them on, and holding them close. His pride in his children and grandchildren was evident in every conversation.
     A passionate hunter and outdoorsman, Steve felt most at peace outside, but his greatest happiness was simply being surrounded by the people he loved.
     He is survived by his lifetime love and wife of 47 years, Tammy; his children: Steven (Tracie) Strand, Josh (Sara) Strand, Kara (Jason) Bleecker, and Gregory (Stacy) Strand; and his cherished grandchildren: Sophia, Isabelle, Hayes, Libby, Boone, Killian, Maylee, Alexis, Anniston, Nellie, and Morgan. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Carol Reeves; siblings: Danny Strand, Kevin Strand, Tammy Hicks, and Eddie Strand; brother-in-law Roger Reeves; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Strand and Rosemarie Smith; his stepfather Carlton Smith; stepmother Margaret Strand; his granddaughter Natalie Bleecker, brothers: Rick Strand, Robert Strand, and Billy Strand; and father-in-law Robert Reeves.
     Steve lived simply, loved completely, and leaves behind a family stronger because of him. His legacy will live on in every bonfire, every hunting story, and every grandchild who carries a piece of his heart forward. 
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.