Dwight Harold “Pete” Stephenson, 77, of Scotts, Michigan, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Marshall, Michigan. He was born on January 25, 1949, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Harold Stephenson and Pauline (Skidmore) Stephenson, and grew up the youngest of three children alongside his two sisters in a close-knit family where Sunday chicken dinners often meant extended family gathered together. From the beginning, Dwight had a fearless streak. One of the family’s favorite stories tells of a time when, around ten years old, he rode the family cow using a fishing pole with an ear of corn tied to the line, steering it around the yard. His grandfather gave him the nickname “Pete,” a name that stuck for life. From that point on, Pete was simply Pete to almost everyone who knew him.

Cars quickly became one of Pete’s early passions. He loved Chevy II’s and Novas, swapping engines and pushing them to see just how fast they would go. That same curiosity and drive carried into everything he did. Pete was a humble and compassionate man who didn’t talk about what he could do, he showed it. If something needed fixing, building, or figuring out, Pete quietly got it done. His strength was never loud, but steady and dependable.

Over the years Pete endured more than his share of injuries. As a young man chasing cows on a minibike, he flipped and severely broke his collarbone, which never healed quite right. Years later he flipped a three-wheeler and dislocated his shoulder. Earlier still, he had gone toe to toe with a massive bull. Each time, he recovered and went right back to work. Humor was always part of Pete’s life. He loved practical jokes, laughed easily, and even on tough days could find something funny. He was known for saying “cool” as a way of agreeing, and during hunting season you would often hear “you got ’em” or “I got ’em,” along with his well-known advice, “You’re not going to get them if you don’t shoot.” In his later years, Pete would refer to death simply as “going to Florida,” his way of keeping things light.

After high school Pete worked assembling toys before entering military service, choosing to go voluntarily after being drafted, eager to see something new. When he returned home, he farmed and later worked at Clark Forklift as a welder assembling boom masts. After Clark moved, Pete built a career in excavating, digging ponds, removing fence rows, installing drain ditches throughout Calhoun County, digging basements, and handling demolition work. He was also an exceptionally talented mechanic, known for fixing engines, transmissions, and heavy equipment that others couldn’t. One of his proudest projects was installing a bus engine and transmission into a bulldozer, later upgrading it again with an even larger diesel engine.

Outside of work, Pete’s greatest passion was deer hunting. Once July arrived, everything turned toward preparing for fall. Scouting, setting up blinds, and sitting quietly in the woods were some of the moments he loved most. Over his lifetime, Pete took over 60 bucks, nearly one for every year he hunted, an accomplishment that spoke to his patience, skill, and dedication. For Pete, it was never just about the harvest, but the time spent outdoors and the traditions built year after year.

Family traditions were simple but meaningful. Opening day of deer season meant early breakfasts together before heading out. Wednesdays were often hamburger night, and Tuesdays sometimes meant hot meatloaf sandwiches with gravy, one of Pete’s favorites. He showed love through small gestures, a sandwich, a candy bar, a pop. Some of the best memories were made sitting for hours on his favorite swing with a Mountain Dew, simply enjoying the moment.

Pete also loved auctions of all kinds, farm, estate, car, and more. Auctions were a sport to him, and many auctioneers knew him by name. He was also well known at the NAPA store in Athens, where he was simply “Pete.” Over time his son became “Re-Pete,” and on one memorable visit three generations stood there together. Pete spent much of his life helping others, assisting farmers with barns, trusses, hay, equipment repairs, and more. He rarely asked for help, but when he did, he made sure there was plenty of beer to go around.

Around 2012 Pete was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the greatest challenges of his life. Even so, he refused to let it define him. He continued hunting and doing what he could for as long as possible. His humor remained, joking he was cold because of his shaking even on hot days, and laughing that it made the perfect dog scratch. Those around Pete often felt calm, comfortable, and protected. He had a quiet strength that made people feel steady.

Pete’s advice in life was simple: “Save your money.” He believed in value, hard work, and taking care of the people you love.

Pete is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Michalek) Stephenson; his children Chad (Brennan) Stephenson and Mandy Stephenson; his grandchildren Trinity Metzger, Peter Stephenson, and Arlee Stephenson; and his sister Maralita (Alan) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Pauline Stephenson and his sister Diane Stephenson.

Pete will be remembered for his resilience, his humor, his ability to fix almost anything, and the way he always placed the needs of his loved ones ahead of his own. When people say, “They don’t make them like that anymore,” Pete was exactly the kind of man they are talking about.

A Memorial Service will take place on April 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Country Christian Evangelical Free Church, 9286 36th Street S, Scotts, Michigan 49088, followed by interment at 2:30 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan 49012. A luncheon will follow at 3:30 PM at the American Legion, 6101 S 44th Street, Climax, Michigan 49034.