Steven James Szerlag

Steven James Szerlag, 53, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on December 19, 1970 in Dearborn, Michigan, Steve lived a life dedicated to his family, his career, golf, and Michigan sports. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Kristyn Szerlag, and children: Jacob (Zaylie) Szerlag, Justin Szerlag, and Avari Zinner. Steve's family was his world, and nothing made him prouder than seeing his kids grow into fantastic people. He passed on his “skillz” to them and constantly reminded them to never be low fat. After earning his Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, Steve built a successful career as an architect. He most enjoyed his work with Ghafari Associates related to electric vehicles. These projects brought to life an idea he designed during college for a “town of the future” that envisioned a condensed city reliant on EVs for local travel. He loved bringing his visions to reality. Our new purpose is to keep Steve’s hobbies alive. He had an enviable green thumb that the rest of us will have to hone so we can continue growing his collection of plants and bonsai. He spent countless hours turning the backyard in to a special place where we will gather often for dinner from the grill, endless games of cornhole, and s’mores. And then there’s golf. We promise to keep our heads down and just hit the ball. Steve's spirit lives on through the people who loved him: siblings Deb (John) Richards, Mark (Diane) Szerlag, Paul (Cindy) Szerlag, and Cathy (Frank) Ciavattone; brother-in-law Scott Kelley; parents-in-law Keith and Terri Kelley; nieces and nephews Grant, Blake, Eric (Jackie), Stacey, Tyler, Fletcher, Millie, Cam, and Molly; numerous cousins; his extended Morelli family; and a network of friends he was proud to call family. He is predeceased by his parents, Donald Louis and Claudia Jean (Sockow) Szerlag. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Steve’s life at a visitation on Sunday, November 17, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (between Sheldon and Beck), Plymouth, Michigan. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Monday, November 18, at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth. Steve will lie in state at 10:00 a.m., with Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. In honor of Steve’s brave cancer battle, memorial contributions may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan, https://www.michiganmedicine.org/giving/areas-support/giving-rogel-cancer-center. The doctors and nurses there went above and beyond to provide Steve with exceptional care for over two years. Special thanks go to Steve’s prayer warriors who stretched from coast to coast. We are eternally grateful for the love and support that surrounded Steve and his entire family throughout this difficult journey. Steve was the strongest, bravest, absolute BEST dad, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend any of us could have ever hoped for. We are beyond blessed to have had him while we did and are honored to be carrying on his legacy. We will make sure no one forgets that Steve is Awesome. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so by using the “Share a Memory” tab on this webpage.

Steven James Szerlag

December 19, 1970 - November 12, 2024