Don was born on July 21, 1959, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Frank and Patricia (Oberski) Stephanic. He grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan with his siblings Mark (Paula) Stephanic, Diane (Jim) Toscano, and Jeanne (Ray) Jeffery. He earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Michigan Technological University. Don began his career at General Motors and later worked at GMF Robotics (now Fanuc) before co-founding Applied Manufacturing Technologies, where he served as Vice-President for 13 years. He later acquired and operated Western Engineered Products for 15 years before selling the company and retiring.

On July 13, 1985, Don married the love of his life, Betsy Benner, in Livonia, Michigan, and they shared forty wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to daughters Alison (Bobby) Robinette and Megan (Sami Merhi) Stephanic, and a loving grandfather to Emilia, Josephine, Sophia, and Elizabeth. A resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Don was active in his community, serving on the board of trustees of Kingsbury School and on an advisory board at Lake Superior State University.

Don’s favorite activities were golfing, fishing, playing cards, and above all, 1959 ~ 2025

spending time with family and friends. Don and Betsy loved spending as much time as possible at their cottage on Lake Leelanau, in Cedar, Michigan. They also enjoyed traveling south in the winter, visiting family and friends, and attending golf tournaments. One of their favorite places to travel was Grand Cayman, where they enjoyed many happy vacations.

Don is survived by his wife, Betsy, his daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters, as well as his siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Elizabeth. Don will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at Fenton First Presbyterian Church, 503 South Leroy Street, Fenton, MI 48430, with a luncheon at the church afterwards. Family will greet visitors on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1:004:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm at the Dryer Funeral Home (101 First Street, Holly, MI 48442) and again Monday, December 22, 2025, at Fenton First Presbyterian Church, from 10 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in the spring at the Solon Township Cemetery in Cedar, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Don’s honor to the Holly Presbyterian Church (207 E. Maple Street, Holly, MI 48442) or Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu). Arrangements are with the Dryer Funeral Home www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com.