Steven S. Blade

BLADE, Steven S. Steven Sinclair Blade went to be with his Lord and Savior September 13, 2014. Steve was born in Minneapolis, MN September 27, 1939 to Lois Eleanor and Harry Hjalmar Blade. He and his only brother Tim grew up in the Minneapolis area, and Steve later attended Saint Cloud State College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve served years of active duty in the United States Navy, including time in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Award and the Vietnam Service Medal. At one time, Steve was a pilot for an ambulance charter service. After completing military service, he joined Air Wisconsin where he was employed as a commercial pilot for 25 years. He retired from that firm in 1994. Steve owned his own airplane and was an active member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association AOPA and the Aviatrix for several years after his retirement. Steve was a man of strong faith, and his friends and church family remember him as a remarkably humble, faithful and obedient servant. He was a member of the Edina Covenant Church in Edina, MN, and later joined the Kalamazoo Covenant Church where he worshipped most of his life. Even during the last few years of his life when his health was failing he was faithful in church attendance, Bible studies and serving on a church ministry team. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. Although he is not survived by any members of his biological family, he leaves behind a large and devoted church family and an equally large supportive circle of friends. Visitation will take place Tuesday September 16 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo. Service will be Wednesday, September 17 at 10:30am at Kalamazoo Covenant Church, 5708 E. Main St, Kalamazoo, MI, Pastors Dave Beetham and Jan DeWitt officiating. Military program following the service at Ft. Custer with a luncheon to follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kalamazoo Covenant Church or the denominations radio station KICY in Nome, AK.