Steven “Steve” Jay Mendham, 70, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Steve was born on May 11, 1956, in Fremont, Michigan, to Alvin Mendham Sr. and Phyllis (Lindsey) Mendham. He grew up in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School. He is survived by his sister, Jane Boone, and his half-brothers, Al, John, and Bob.

On November 21, 1981, Steve married Karen (Wardell) Mendham. Together they built a life centered around their family and shared many years of memories. Steve and Karen owned and operated a printing company for approximately eight years. He later spent much of his career as a truck driver, and after retiring from trucking, he enjoyed working for a time in an automotive shop.

While Steve took pride in his work, the greatest joy of his life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters Emily (Timothy) Lawrence and Allyson (Luke) Bonner; grandchildren Karis Lawrence, Hudson Lawrence, and Kelsey Bonner; and his siblings.

Those who knew Steve will remember his dry, sarcastic sense of humor and the way he could make people laugh with a perfectly timed comment. His sense of humor was woven into even the simplest parts of life. Every Christmas, when asked what he wanted, his answer was usually the same: a T-shirt with some sarcastic or smart-aleck saying on it and, more importantly, time spent with his family. He didn’t need much to be happy. He simply enjoyed being together with the people he loved.

Steve enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing and enjoyed getting together with a group of his guy friends for breakfast on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He also enjoyed simply getting in the car and driving, rarely taking the same route to and from a destination. For Steve, sometimes the drive itself was part of the adventure.

Some of the most ordinary moments with Steve became the memories his family will treasure most. Many Sunday afternoons were spent with Steve settled into his recliner, watching football or NASCAR on television. Although his eyes might have been closed and he appeared to be sound asleep, anyone who dared to change the channel would quickly hear, “Hey, I was watching that!” It was a small glimpse of the humor and personality that made him so much fun to be around.

Steve was a man of faith and a member of Community Baptist Church in Saginaw. His family finds comfort in knowing that, while they will miss him deeply here, Steve is now in the presence of his Savior.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Phyllis Mendham, and his beloved granddaughter, Faith Lawrence.

Steve’s unexpected passing leaves a deep emptiness for those who loved him, but his family and friends will carry with them the memories of his humor, his love for his family, his friendships, and the many ordinary moments that became meaningful simply because Steve was there.

A one-hour visitation will be held at Community Baptist Church in Saginaw on Saturday, October 10, beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service celebrating Steve’s life at 3:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Dr. Douglas R. Jackson and Pastor Jeff Hawes. A reception luncheon will follow the service, providing family and friends an opportunity to continue sharing memories and fellowship.

At a later date, Steve’s family will gather to honor his memory and scatter his ashes at one of his favorite fishing lakes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Baptist Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share memories of Steven at the church or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.