Obituaries

On May 30th, Derek C. Steppig was involved in an accident and, despite the best efforts of medical teams, succumbed to his injuries.

Derek grew up with his mother, Lynn, and two older brothers on Lizzie Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After a house fire, the family rebuilt their lives on Mackinac Trail and 8 Mile, better known to most as "8 mile". From a young age, Derek had a passion for mud trucks and working on vehicles-so much so that he eventually opened his own garage on Ashmun Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie and eventually moved to his garage at 8mile. Derek and his friends were known for raising a little hell and occasionally hauling loads that didn't exactly meet DOT standards. He was fearless, full of life, and always ready for an adventure.

In his late twenties, Derek moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to work for Dynamic Concrete Pumping.

Derek became the proud father of two wonderful daughters, Dacia Steppig and Kaylynn Carr.
He also had moved from Jacksonville to Macclenny, Florida, where he continued collecting parts and building up his beloved mud trucks.

Derek was always up for an adventure whether snowmobiling, jeeping, boating, camping, or riding his motorcycle, he brought energy, laughter, and fun wherever he went. He especially loved taking his trucks and snowmobiles out to the mud hole, where he was often the star of the show! Always making frequent weekend trips back home to Michigan over the years to visit friends and family. Every February taking a week to go snowmobiling and go to the famous I-500 race and take a trip to the Tahquamenon Falls.

As much as Derek loved having fun, family was always the most important thing to him. He never missed a family reunion, often driving through the night with little to no sleep just to spend more time with loved ones. When it came to his daughters, there was no distance too far—he made every effort to be there for first days of school, softball games, swim meets, the county fair, horse shows, band concerts, or even just to help with a school project.

Working on the road was hard, but Derek never complained. He was strong, loyal, and full of heart.

He will be remembered for his wild spirit, unwavering love for his family and friends, and the way he lived life full throttle-with mud on his tires and a smile on his face.

Derek is survived by his daughters, Dacia Steppig of Macclenny, Florida and Kaylynn Carr of Rudyard, Michigan; brothers, Lee (Trish) Steppig of Sagola, Michigan and Kirk (Nicky) Steppig of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Blakely Burnsed and Emberlynn Smajic both of Macclenney, Florida; many aunts and uncles; many wonderful cousins, nephews and families he loved dearly, along with many friends he is leaving behind---until we meet again.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lynn Joy Thompson.

A celebration of life was held in Bryceville, Florida on June 7, 2025. There will be a gathering at 8 Mile on July 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm for food, laughter and to share your favorite stories of Derek.