Ishpeming – Stephen C. Fernea, age 68, lifelong Ishpeming resident passed away at 6:16am on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Marquette Co Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming while in the loving care of his family, staff members at MCMCF and the UP Home Health and Hospice.

Steve was born May 31, 1949 in Ishpeming the son of the late Ralph C. and Jean (Amell) Fernea. Steve was a life long Ishpeming resident and a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, class of 1968. Steve then attended NMU's Skill Center. He worked as a Union Carpenter for many years mainly with Pajala and Maki along with various contractors later in his career.

Steve truly loved being part of the Blue Notes which he had joined in high school, and was also a member of reunion band during his adult years. He played in the Ishpeming Pool League and the Ishpeming Cribbage League, was an avid hunter and fisherman along with being "one hell of a good guy."

Survivors include 3 children – son – Greg Fernea of Ishpeming, daughter - Lauren (Nate) Sherman of Eau Claire, WI and son - Brandon (Anna Johnson) Fernea of Ishpeming, sister Nancy Hendra of Green Bay, WI, 3 grandchildren – Audrey and Ellen Sherman and Fisher Fernea, 2 Aunts - Doreen Brown of Ishpeming, and Jeannie Nylander of Negaunee, along with several nieces and nephews and his devoted caregivers Julie Thibodeau and Denise McLaren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law Tom Hendra.

There will be a celebration on Steve's life held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with family greeting relatives and friends from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Wednesday June 7, 2017 followed by funeral services at 1:00pm with the Rev. Ken Lahners to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ishpeming Blue Notes in Steve's memory.

Steve's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.