Stephen John Simko, Sr.

Steve Simko, 91, of Berrien Center, passed away at home Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Steve was born October 15, 1933, in the farmhouse where he spent his entire life. 

Steve dedicated his life to farming, family, and community. For many years he raised fruit and vegetables, patiently working the land and tending to his crops. He spent many late nights spraying fruit trees and irrigating strawberries during frost season. Farming was truly a family affair, as he worked alongside his parents, brother, and children. Steve attended the former National School in Berrien Township, where he surprised the teacher by speaking Hungarian, which he learned from his parents. He was a 1952 graduate of Berrien Springs High School.

In 1956, he married Lillyan Adent in St. Joseph, Michigan. She survives, along with their children: Karen O’Dell of Berrien Center, Stephen (Jennifer) Simko of Berrien Center, Diana (Tim) Mead of Niles, John Simko of Eau Claire, Patricia (Scott) Null of Granger, Indiana, and Dean (Kristen) Simko of Branchburg, New Jersey. Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren, in addition to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (Kiacz) Simko, his brother, Joseph and granddaughter, Lindsay O’Dell.

Steve was skilled at auto mechanics and loved working in his shop. He had a passion for collecting and carefully restoring Studebakers and was a longtime member of the Studebaker Drivers Club. 

Steve will be missed by his family and many friends. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:00 am in St Mary’s Catholic Church, 219 South State Street, Niles, with The Reverend Father Christian Johnston and Deacon Roger Gregorski officiating. A graveside service will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 217 South Lincoln Avenue, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.