Steven Robert Sailus

Feb. 22, 1959 – Sept. 21, 2024

Steven “Steve” Sailus, of Tecumseh, Mich., passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning at the age of 65, presumably unaware that his beloved Wolverines were going to pull off a shock upset against USC later that afternoon.

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his children, Christopher (Jennifer), Sean (Elizabeth), Kirsten, and Sarah (Matthew); and grandchildren, Connor, Carly, James, and Eleanor (on the way).

Steve was born in Dearborn and raised in Wayne, graduating from Wayne Memorial High School before working for 15 years for General Motors. In that time, he married Kathy on May 25, 1985 and they started their family. He went back to school early in the 1990s, earning an associate degree from Wayne State, and began working in computer science as a programmer and later project manager until his retirement.

An avid athlete and sports fan, Steve was a cyclist and competitive water skier and snow skier in his twenties. He also played and coached his children in many sports including football, soccer, and volleyball, until a rare leg condition forced him to lessen his physical activity. It didn’t slow him down much. He found creative ways to get around and play with his grandchildren, as the dents in the walls and divots in the lawn can attest. Steve’s love of playing sports was perhaps surpassed only by the joy he took in spectating, especially games involving his family, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, or any University of Michigan team.

A lifelong learner with a curious mind, Steve took great pleasure in debating (provoking) his family about current affairs. He enjoyed a cigar and scotch on the porch surrounded by those he loved best, but only after a few rounds of euchre or after he had shown you the latest movie clip, skit, or concert that “you just have to see.”

Steve supported everyone he loved unconditionally, and his family will miss him deeply.

Visitation will take place at Handler Funeral Home in Tecumseh on Thursday, September 26, from 11a.m.-1 p.m., with a celebration of life ceremony taking place at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hidden Lake Gardens in Steve’s memory.