Steve Dokey

Dokey, Steve 10/2/1960 - 3/3/2022 Kalamazoo Steven Merritt Dokey brightened our lives with laughter from October 2, 1960 until his passing on March 3, 2022. Steve grew up in a household raised by his mom along with 3 brothers who were born one after the other, all 1 year apart. He had many fond memories growing up surrounded by cousins, attending Comstock High School where he loved being part of the track team and outsmarting guys bigger than him on the football field. After graduating, he met his wife Sherri of 40+ years on a blind date. He was a decisive man, and proposed to her one month later, marrying her a year after that. They brought two daughters, Kali and Kassi, into the world. Even though he was outnumbered at home, he always had a male dog to help tip the scale and was the rock that kept all his girls' feet on the ground when their heads were in the clouds. He was easily the most intelligent person in any room he walked into and claimed getting into a battle of wits with him was like "bringing a knife to a gun fight." Steve worked for 28 years at Rathco Safety Supply, where he worked his way up through a company he loved. He enjoyed many sports including playing beach volleyball on Mexican vacations, and most prominently was a Michigan football fan. The Big House was a second home to him during the season thanks to some wonderful Rathco customers, and he loved going to games with his friends, brothers, son-in-law and grandsons. He was creative and could be found most nights in his recliner painting Michigan football figures with a pepsi and flaming-hot cheetos. Steve also loved rollercoasters and delighted in singing loudly in his jeep with the top down to all his favorite songs. Near the end of his life, his loving caregivers at Amber Way became another family to him, especially Brandi, Dwayne, Darnesha, Paige, Winnie, Vernita, Shaiden, Tara and Chris. He will be profoundly missed for his big personality and calming presence in all times. Steve is survived by his loving wife Sherri; daughters Kali (Sean) Condon and Kassi (Lance) Nine; grandchildren Kalin, Braedon, Avett, Jenkins and Vieve; parents Jan Dokey and Butch Dokey; brothers Mike (Helen) Dokey, Kevin Dokey and Randy (Jill) Dokey. A memorial visitation will be held to reminisce all the fun Steve brought to our lives at Joldersma and Klein, 917 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI, on Saturday, March 12th from 3-5 P.M. Masks will be required. Steve was always a logical man who was committed to supporting his family, and in lieu of flowers, he would want to be more practical in donating to help his wife recover some of the extensive medical costs endured related to his disease. A gofundme has been created for this at https://gofund.me/7a13f22c. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.