Steve was born on May 8, 1979, in Wyandotte, Michigan, and grew up in Grosse Ile, Michigan.

He was the beloved son of Stephen Remsen Ryder IV and Lynne Marie Ryder (née Bankovich).

Steve met the love of his life, Kristen, at a Tool concert in Detroit during a quick trip home while living in Colorado and attending the University of Denver. From that moment on, their story was one of instant soul connection, a shared passion for music, nature, adventure, bully breeds, and deep devotion. Kristen was truly the light of his life, and together they built a marriage filled with quiet presence, respect, laughter, travel, and shared experiences.

He worked alongside his family at The Packline Co., where he was deeply involved in the operations and continued the legacy of the family business with pride and dedication.

For more than 13 years, Steve lived with a very rare form of thyroid cancer. His strength, resilience, and positive spirit throughout his journey was an inspiration to those around him.

Despite his illness, he embraced life fully and intentionally, and created deep connections. Those who met him quickly came to care for and adore him.

Steve had a deep love for live music and rock concerts, always chasing the energy and connection they brought. He and Kristen shared a passion for traveling and exploring together.

He loved the outdoors — skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, and spending time with others in nature brought him peace and joy. He was also a craft beer enthusiast and rarely missed the opportunity to enjoy a good brew with friends. His beloved dog, Luna — who was nicknamed “LunaTuna” or “Tunafish”— was a constant companion and source of immense love and joy.

Above all, Steve loved making people feel valued and cared for. He had a generous heart and a natural ability to make others feel seen, appreciated, and loved. His warmth and calm nature left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Kristen frequently described him as, “a warm hug in human form”.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Kristen; his loving parents, Stephen Remsen Ryder IV and Lynne Ryder; his sister, Melissa and her daughter Myranda, Myranda’s fiance, Grant, and their son, Cooper Stephen; his half-brother, Bryan and his wife, Dana; Bryan’s daughter, Ellexis “Ellie”, Ellie’s husband Andrew, and their children Trygve, Chloe, and Elsie. Steve is also survived by his in-laws, Norman and Lynn Campbell, and their son, Jeff. He also leaves behind a whole host of extended family members, and a tremendously loving and expansive friend group that deeply cared for and supported Steve.

Celebrations of Steve’s life will be held in both the downriver area and Leelanau at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please choose from the following nonprofits and make a donation in Steve’s name, all of which supported Steve along his journey in varied and loving ways: Cherryland Humane Society, Houston Ground Angels, Corporate Angel Network, or MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.