Richard C. "Dick" Stephens

Stephens, Richard C. "Dick"

"Coach"

Of Jackson, Michigan formerly of Elgin, Illinois passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019 under the loving care of his family, Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice and his beloved dog Murphy at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Poplawski, Rulewicz), children; Christopher L. Stephens, Julie (David) Allen, Teresa (Jeffrey) Brenneke, Michael (Linda) Rulewicz, Aaron Rulewicz and David (Amber) Rulewicz. Grandchildren; Ashleigh, Casey, Katie, Madie, Lucas, Michael, Rowdy, Ashton and Ava. Great granddaughter Hazel, sister Althea Smith, several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his first wife Beatrice, granddaughter Maegan, brother Bob and sister Dolores.

In life, Dick was teacher and football coach. More importantly, he was a molder of men. Over the course of a successful and decorated 53 year coaching career, Dick positively influenced the lives of literally thousands of student athletes. After attending Alma College and graduating from Northern Michigan University - where he lettered in football, basketball and track- Dick married his first wife Beatrice and moved to Athens for his first coaching job. Between coaching opportunities at Springfield (Michigan) High School and Elgin (Illinois) High School, Dick and Bea produced three wonderful children - son Chris and daughters Julie and Teresa. Returning to Michigan in 1978, Dick coached at Battle Creek Central High School before accepting a second opportunity to coach at Elgin High School in Illinois. After starting up a new football program at Bartlett High School and upon the untimely passing of his beloved Bea in 1996, Dick married Mary Jo Rulewicz. Their adventures took them to Western High School near Jackson and back to Bartlett High School where Dick finished his long, illustrious career as a football coach. Along the way Dick was honored with induction into the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

Aside from his passion for his family and football, Dick enjoyed spending time at his second home on Lake Gulliver in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He enjoyed hiking, visiting Lake Michigan, boating and fishing. Above all else, Dick flashed his wit and great sense of humor by teasing those he cared most about. He loved people. He loved coaching. He loved Bea and Mary Jo, his children, grandchildren and his faithful dog Murphy. He will be greatly missed by the many, many people he positively influenced in life.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Oratory with Father James Shaver officiating. Cremation will follow the Funeral Mass.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 to 8 PM with the Rosary at 7:30 PM. The family will also receive friends on Monday from 10:30 to 11:00 AM at the church.

Contributions to St. Joseph Oratory or the Cascades Humane Society would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 129 years