Stephen Crane

Stephen L. Crane, 72, of Presque Isle passed away peacefully at Medilodge of Rogers City on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

He was born Dec. 30, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert and Lillian (Butler) Crane.

Steve Crane grew up in Cleveland with his parents, Bob and Lillian, and his identical twin brother Geoff. The family shared a passion for the outdoors, camping and fishing and for games played strictly by the rules.

Steve, along with Geoff, took up their father’s love of the acoustic guitar, and was an accomplished player throughout his life, most recently experimenting with a new electric model from Les Paul, a gift from his wife Ruth. Though often reluctant to play for a crowd, and downright adamant about not playing an out-of-tune instrument, Steve shared his gift with those closest to him to their great delight. He was a fan of an array of music, though there were some decided favorites. John Prine. Elton John. Led Zeppelin. Pink Floyd. Fleetwood Mac (especially lifelong crush Stevie Nicks.) The Eagles. The late Gordon Lightfoot was a particular favorite of both Steve and his beloved mother, Lil.

Steve loved to toil over a crossword puzzle or a Sudoku and to reminisce and laugh around a bonfire with family and friends. He was at peace on the water, with a fishing pole in hand. He adored the dogs and cats that he considered family throughout his life and, most recently, enjoyed a good snuggle with pups Maggie and Koko and calico siblings Katie, Tigger and Patch. Late into his life, he would still choke up remembering the canine companions of his youth and early adulthood, Snoopy and Cheyenne.

Steve loved to watch sports and listen on the radio, remaining loyal to his Cleveland teams while also developing into a serious Tigers fan.

Steve’s early love of nature stayed with him — helping shape his move to northern Michigan more than two decades ago. He persisted in the garden, despite an ongoing rivalry with the nimble and creative deer, and hung feeders close to the dining table windows so that he could admire the birds — on a great day, hummingbirds — that dropped by for a bite.

Steve liked his bacon crisp, his scrambled eggs well-done and his rye toast dry as the desert. Throughout his life, he delighted in experimenting in the kitchen and on the barbecue and was known for his way around a pork rib. When Steve wasn’t dining at home, he and Ruth could be found enjoying a meal and a cocktail at Woody’s, their favorite spot by the water.

Steve’s children, Misti and Zach, carry on his love of music, especially the kind that tugs at your  heart. And they will always remember his love for the kitchen and the grill as they delight in putting their creativity into preparing meals, a passion that Zach has successfully shaped into a profession.

Steve was proud of his children and of his service aboard the Navy’s U.S.S. Ranger during the Vietnam War. He had strong opinions and not much patience for what he considered nonsense. He loved those he loved fiercely. He would want you to do the same.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Misti (Don Cotter) Crane of Columbus, Ohio, Zachary Crane of Birmingham, J. Richards of Alpena, William Richards of Kalamazoo; two grandchildren, Kyan Crane and Jami Richards; twin brother, Geoff Crane of Cleveland, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

On Aug. 4, 2006 he married Emily Ruth-Anne Dowdell-Richards at North Bay Beach House in Presque Isle.

Stephen was a U.S. Navy Veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.

A celebration of life will take place at the North Bay Beach House at Presque Isle on Friday, August 4th beginning at 4:30 p.m. Rogers City VFW will offer a military tribute at 5 p.m. followed by a time of sharing memories.