Stephen F. Kidman, 66 / Sept. 15, 1944-April 15, 2011

Published 4:57 pm Sunday, April 17, 2011

Stephen’s life began on Sept. 15, 1944, in Dowagiac, the son of Terry and Anna (Lewandowski) Kidman.

He was a 1962 graduate of Dowagiac Union Schools.

Stephen, 66, of Cassopolis, worked for Clark Equipment-Graphic Arts for many years and for SPX/Contech in Dowagiac until his retirement.

Always active in the community, Stephen was a four-year veteran of the Naval Reserves, a scout master for Boy Scout Troop 563 for many years, a member of the VFW Post 1855 Men’s Auxiliary, serving as their quartermaster, a member of the Dowagiac Moose Lodge and Dowagiac Eagles.

He enjoyed his garden ponds, painting and studying family genealogy.

Stephen had been a sport official for many years and a youth soccer coach.

He was united in marriage to the former Sandy Kingsley on Sept. 21, 1991. in Dowagiac.

His loving family includes: his wife, Sandy Kidman of Cassopolis; his mother, Anna Kidman of Dowagiac; his children, Danny (Kris) DeRyder of Dowagiac, Ronda (Daryl) Polmateer of Cassopolis, Steve Kidman Jr. of California, Eric (Janinta) Kidman of Dowagiac and Christina (Frank Jr.) Hagemann of Dowagiac; 11 grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Susan (Tom) Kingsley of Texas, Philip (MaryAnn) Kidman of Dowagiac, Lisbeth Kidman of California, George (Carol) Kidman of Florida, Teresa (Michael) Jackson of Dowagiac, Andrew (Judy) Kidman of Dowagiac and Therese (Jim) Winters of Dowagiac; brother-in-law, David Curtwright of California; his “brothers from another mother,” Bill (Judy) Lawrence and Tom (Lynn) Lawrence and several nieces and nephews.

Stephen passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 15, 2011.

He is preceded in death by his father Terry Kidman in 1995, his sister Jeanne Curtwright and his first wife Rosalie Kidman.

His family will gather with friends on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where Deacon Frank Wesolowski will celebrate a rosary service at 7:30 p.m., followed by rites from the Dowagiac Moose Lodge and VFW Post 1855.

He will be laid to rest at a later date in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions in Stephen’s name may be directed to the VFW Men’s Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.
Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Stephen at www.yazel-clark.com www.yazel-clark.com.