Steven Mills Rupert, 75 of South Bend, passed away unexpectedly after his last bicycle ride, on June 2, 2023, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana.

On March 5, 1948, he was born to Dan and Mary Lou (Mills) Rupert in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Steve lived most of his life in Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David. He is survived by his sister Sandy Rupert Graves (Dave) of Griffin, Georgia and his nephew Andy Graves (Tonia) of Duluth, Georgia.

Steve is also survived by his wife, Linda Carmean Lewis, whom he married on August 22, 1992, at his parents’ home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Other surviving family members include his two step-daughters Julie Lewis Meiszberg (Mike) of Granger, Indiana, and Jodie Lewis Raker (Brad) of Clearwater, Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kailyn Meiszberg Johnston (Briar), Kassidy Meiszberg, Karsen Meiszberg, Mary Ava Raker, Maddie Raker, and great grandchildren Casey, LillyAnn, and Waylon.

Steve was a proud graduate of Western Michigan University achieving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. He taught emotionally impaired, visually impaired, and autistic children at Ken-O-Sha Preschool Program through Grand Rapids Community Schools for 30 years. He was an Eagle Scout and utilized those skills throughout his life on his many adventures. Steve was an avid cyclist and biked many miles throughout the country with his friends and brother. Another passion was sailing his sailboat, Orion, with his best life long friends and Linda, from South Haven, Michigan to North Lake Huron. Steve also looked forward to his annual trip to Colorado to spend time with his close childhood friends. Steve met countless people on his trips and never knew a stranger. His grandchildren enjoyed going with him on short sails and their yearly camping trips. Steve brought smiles to all his grandchildren every time he played his guitar and sang songs. His other favorite pastimes were playing cards, reading, hiking, and traveling.

Steve’s selflessness and loving personality will be remembered by all who knew him. His visual impairment never stopped him from achieving his goals, continually trying new things, and loving life. His kindness and laughter will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity.