Stephen Louis Zeien

Stephen Louis Zeien, 85, of Beal City, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 12, 1940, in Isabella County, to the late Edward and Helen (Hauck) Zeien. Steve was welcomed into a loving family by his older siblings, Joseph, William, and Frederick. In the years that followed, the family grew as his younger siblings, Herman, Teresa, Richard, and Gerald, joined them.

A lifelong resident of Isabella County, Steve graduated from Beal City High School with the class of 1958. Not long after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country as a proud member of the National Guard. This early demonstration of responsibility and service to others was a hallmark of his character throughout his life.

It was at a friend's wedding that he met the love of his life, Joyce Fanning. She was a bridesmaid, and he was a groomsman. What began that day as a chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful love story, creating a lifetime of memories, love, and companionship. They were married on October 24, 1964, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Shepherd. Together they built a vibrant and loving family, raising ten children: Barbara, Diane, David, Michael, Dale, Kimberly, Sheryl, Brenda, Jodi, and Laurie.

Steve’s first calling was always his family, whom he served with a generous heart and a character shaped by a lifetime of hard work. A lifelong farmer, Steve tended Zeien Farms from sunrise alongside his brothers, Bill and Fred, and later with his son, Dave. Through his dedication to the land, he honored God through honest work and lived out a deep sense of stewardship, perseverance, and responsibility. Farming was more than a way of life for Steve; it was a reflection of the values he held so deeply. Each afternoon, he continued to provide for those he loved throughout his 31-year career as a pipe fitter at Dow Chemical Co. His strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment earned him the respect of his colleagues and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Faith was a cornerstone of Steve’s life. He was a devoted and faithful member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, where he found strength, fellowship, and a sense of community. His commitment to his faith extended beyond the walls of his church; even while on vacation, Steve made it a priority to attend Sunday Mass with his family. His faith was not simply something he practiced; it was an important part of how he lived his life and the values he shared with those around him.

Steve leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Joyce; children, Barb (Mike) Steffke of Beal City, Diane Konwinski of Beal City, Dave (Jamie) Zeien of Beal City, Mike (Danielle) Zeien of Mt. Pleasant, Dale (Sarah) Zeien of Beal City, Kim (John) Tilmann of Midland, Sheryl (Jason) Gottleber of Beal City, Brenda (Kris) Pung of Lisle, IL, Jodi (Brad) Gross of Beal City, and Laurie Simon of Beal City; 37 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two more great-grandchildren on the way. His love for family was evident in every aspect of his life, whether it was working side by side on the farm, supporting each child’s endeavors, or simply enjoying one another’s company at regular family gatherings.

Also cherishing his memory are his sister, Teresa (Ron) Lorenz of Beal City; brother Gerald (Chris) Zeien of Mt. Pleasant; sisters-in-law Marilyn Zeien of Mt. Pleasant, Mary Irene Zeien of Beal City, and Ernestine Border of St. Louis; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joseph, William, Fred, Herman, and Richard Zeien; grandson Matthew Sharrar; parents-in-law Patrick and Dorotha Fanning; In-laws, Angela and Tom Conroy, Patricia Homister, Richard Border, and Tom Fanning.

Steve's legacy is his unwavering commitment to his loved ones, hardworking spirit, and the countless memories created with family and friends. He leaves behind a treasured example of a life well-lived, devoted to faith, family, and the land.

A Funeral Mass for Steve will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 13, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Fr. T.J. Fleming presiding. Rite of Committal will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, and it will conclude with a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues Thursday one hour before Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church or school. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. 

Now he rests with the Lord, reminding us as always: "Don't worry about me."