Stephen A. Hudzinski

Stephen A. Hudzinski, Jr., 80, of Sodus, passed away, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. He is finally at Peace.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 27 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor, with Fr. Harold Potter officiating.  Burial will follow Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor with Military Honors provided by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to St. John/St. Bernard Parish or Caring Circle Hospice.  Those wishing to sign Steve’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Steve was born September 26, 1937 in Kalamazoo to Stephen A. & Olga (Kechkaylo) Hudzinski Sr. He attended Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1955 and entered the United States Marine Corp., stationed in Japan.  Upon honorable discharge from the Marine Corp., Steve joined his father in the family business, Acme Well Drilling in Sodus, which he continued to operate through this past summer. He was a hardworking man who thoroughly enjoyed his time working in the well drilling business.  On February 4, 1961, he married the love of his life, Janice Leah Hollopeter in South Haven, Michigan. They enjoyed many family celebrations together at the house, especially the Fourth of July parties with Steve’s own fireworks display.  They were blessed with thirty-eight years together before her passing on April 2, 1999.  Steve was a devoted and loving husband, father and then a devoted caretaker for Janice before her passing.    Steve was a member of St. John/St. Bernard Parish, the Moose Lodge, and St. Joseph-Benton Elks Lodge #541. He enjoyed in a variety of hobbies including raising animals; particularly fond of birds, riding his Harley to Sturgis, Daytona Beach & other biker gatherings, and hunting. In his earlier days, Steve would race snowmobiles & motorcycles at Millburg Speedway. Steve’s biggest passion was boating and fishing winning many a trophy at Camp Manapine.  Steve is survived by his children-Stephen M. (Susan) Hudzinski of Stevensville, Craig (Tina) Hudzinski of Kirklin, Indiana, Theresa (David) Hyland of Fairfield, CT; eight grandchildren-Christopher (Fiancée Faith) Hannis, Jacob Hudzinski, Caitlyn Hudzinski, Grace & Lucy Hyland, Ryan Kubsch, Randy (Fiancée Liz) Kubsch, Rachel Kubsch; four great-grandchildren; his sister Nadia Smith-Hennessy of St. Paul, MN; his nephew-Douglas (Shannon) Smith; his deceased nephew’s companion Pam Fontaine; his companion Jeanie Huff of Hartford, MI and her children Karen Holder, Harold Bush, Jr & Jeffery Bush. Steve was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents, and his nephew George Carson Smith. Beloved by his family he is finally at peace.