Stephen Remsen Ryder V

Stephen Remsen Ryder V, of Cedar, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 46.


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

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.

Steve worked alongside his family at The Packline Co., where he was deeply involved in operations. He continued the family business's legacy with pride and dedication, earning the nickname "V" (pronounced "five") to distinguish himself from his dad, Steve IV. His quiet leadership, warm humor, and generous spirit inspired trust, lifted teammates, and strengthened partnerships. A thoughtful mentor and steady presence in difficult moments, he modeled professionalism and

Steve worked alongside his family at The Packline Co., where he was deeply involved in operations. He continued the family business's legacy with pride and dedication, earning the nickname "V" (pronounced "five") to distinguish himself from his dad, Steve IV. His quiet leadership, warm humor, and generous spirit inspired trust, lifted teammates, and strengthened partnerships. A thoughtful mentor and steady presence in difficult moments, he modeled professionalism and integrity in all he did; his attention to detail and willingness to help set a lasting example for others.

integrity in all he did; his attention to detail and willingness to help set a lasting example for others.

For more than 13 years, Steve lived with a very rare form of thyroid cancer. His strength, resilience, and positive spirit throughout his journey were an inspiration to those around him. Despite his illness, he embraced life fully and intentionally, and created

For more than 13 years, Steve lived with a very rare form of thyroid cancer. His strength, resilience, and positive spirit throughout his journey were 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.

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 — you can listen to a collection of songs curated in his honor here and share song that reminds you of him here. 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 — a.k.a “LunaTuna” a.k.a “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”.

Please feel free to browse the memories shared here and add your own photos of Steve. We may include some in a slideshow for the Celebration of Life.

View & Share Photos

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 him.

Steve's life continues to be celebrated by the many people who love him. Explore information from the gathering held on his birthday, May 8th, and details for an upcoming celebration in Leelanau.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Steve's name to one of the following nonprofits, each of which supported him along his journey in meaningful and loving ways:

Cherryland Humane Society-

Traverse City

Give in Steve’s Memory

Steve and Kristen loved to support the bully breeds that were waiting for their forever homes but were stressed and needed breaks from shelter life. They would pickup a bully and give them a doggie-day-out, or a quiet weekend away at their home. Finny and Hudson were especially loved!

Houston Ground Angels

Give in Steve’s Memory

A fleet of the sweetest volunteers who pick up traveling cancer patients from the airport and drive them to their hotel or hospital, free of charge. Many volunteers are themselves cancer survivors or were caregivers to someone impacted by cancer. They supported Steve and Kristen on every single medical trip to Houston-every three months for ten years. They became friends and cared for Steve.

Corporate Angel Network

Give in Steve’s Memory

CAN flew Steve and Kristen to Steve’s appointments in Houston every three months, free of charge. They were so kind and an invaluable service that allowed Steve to access treatment that kept his Stage IV rare and incurable cancer at bay for almost ten years.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Give in Steve’s Memory

They were our family away from home. Steve’s main doctor, Dr. Naifa Busaidy, and her team, cared for Steve for ten years. She would hug him so tightly and called him, “My Stephen”. We couldn’t have asked for a more present, caring, and brilliant team.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Give in Steve’s Memory

They were our family away from home. Steve’s main doctor, Dr. Naifa Busaidy, and her team, cared for Steve for ten years. She would hug him so tightly and called him, “My Stephen”. We couldn’t have asked for a more present, caring, and brilliant team.

Leelanau Conservancy

Give in Steve’s Memory

Steve and Kristen moved to Leelanau County in October of 2015. From the start, their time in nature became a joy-filled part of their weekly Northern Michigan adventures together. With 28 beautiful trails and preserves, The Leelanau Conservancy works tirelessly to protect,

preserve, and conserve the land, water, and habitats of Leelanau County, for all to enjoy. Steve's favorite trail, Ingraham Preserve on Cedar River, was a 5-minute drive from their home in Cedar. Kristen is currently working with the Conservancy to place a memorial bench in Steve's memory along the trail.

Leelanau Conservancy

Give in Steve’s Memory

Steve and Kristen moved to Leelanau County in October of 2015. From the start, their time in nature became a joy-filled part of their weekly Northern Michigan adventures together. With 28 beautiful trails and preserves, The Leelanau Conservancy works tirelessly to protect, preserve, and conserve the land, water, and habitats of Leelanau County, for all to enjoy. Steve's favorite trail, Ingraham Preserve on Cedar River, was a 5-minute drive from their home in Cedar. Kristen is currently working with the Conservancy to place a memorial bench in Steve's memory along the trail.