Stephanie Marie Viau, age 22, of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and formerly of Rapid River and Gladstone died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, August 30th, 2005 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, Michigan.  

Stephanie was born April 11th, 1983 at St Francis Hospital, the daughter of James J. Viau and the former Kathy A. DeHooghe and was raised in the Rapid River area. She attended the Gladstone School System and was a  2001 graduate of the Gladstone High School where she was continually listed on the academic honor roll.

“Steph” was employed at different periods of time at DeHooghe and Viau Plumbing and Heating in Gladstone, Viau and Chapekis Law Firm in Escanaba, and at Bay de Noc Lure Company in Gladstone.

Stephanie enjoyed traveling and having visited all 48 contiguous states, she always commented, “million miles; million smiles.” In addition, she enjoyed the outdoors, including camping, downhill skiing, and being by the water. She also enjoyed listening to music and dancing.

Stephanie was best known to family and friends as a free spirit who had a special and unique love of family and friends. She naturally radiated a feeling to others of pleasure, happiness, and light. “Steph”s family will always remember her as the “keeper of light” and as a person of compassion to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed but her bouncy essence will never be forgotten.

Stephanie Viau’s survivors include:

An infant son, Eric James Lutz, at home

Her mother, Kathy Viau of Rapid River

Her father, James Viau, of Gladstone

2 Sisters- Jennifer Viau of Hancock, MI; Natalie Viau of Milwaukee, WI

Maternal Grandmother-Bernice DeHooghe of Gladstone

Paternal Grandparents- Edwin and Agnes Viau of Escanaba

Aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

“Steph” was preceded in death by her grandfather, “Ernie” DeHooghe.

The family of Stephanie M. Viau will receive friends on Tuesday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow services at All Saints Church Parish Hall for all those attending the service as well as for those who may not have had opportunity to visit the family at the funeral home or attend the Mass. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery. The Viau family respectfully respects memorials be directed to the family for trust fund that will be established for her infant son, Eric. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Stephanie’s family.