Jay Lewis Stephan

Jay Lewis Stephan, 87, of Grayling, MI passed away Saturday July 13, 2013, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Jay was born to the late Ruth and Theodore Stephan on October 7, 1925, in Grayling, MI. Jay was a master river boat builder and river guide on the Ausable River and many northern Michigan trout streams. He was even a 3-time Ausable Canoe Marathon winner. Jay served in the Airforce during World War II as a navigator. He worked for General Telephone Company until he retired in 1979. Jay was a very loving father, grand father. Jay is survived by: children Jay (Shelly) Stephan, Doug Stephan, Cheryl (Bill) Lowes, Teresa (Phil) Romaniak, Lisa Stephan and significant other Joe Prosser, and Tim (Lisa) Stephan; 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and great nephews. Jay is preceded in death by parents Theodore and Ruth, sister Yetive, son Steven, and his 17 year companion Jean Kaiser. Visitation will take place Monday July 15, 2013 from 3-8 p.m. at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. Celebration of Jay's life will take place Tuesday July 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, any donations made to the family will be given to Hanson Hills Paddling Clinic and Fly Tying classes for the youth of Crawford county. Condolences may be expressed at sorensonlockwood.com. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jay Lewis Stephan, please visit our flower store.