Stephen E. Palen

Stephen E. Palen, 72, of New Buffalo, passed away in his home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo.   Stephen was born December 24, 1941 in Michigan City, IN to Eugene and Ethel (Schroeder) Palen. He was a graduate of New Buffalo High School in 1959. Stephen served his country during the Vietnam War while in the U.S. Army. He worked on the C & O Railroad for about ten years. On November 26, 1982 in Hillsdale, MI he married Glenda Sue Mills. He also in 1982 started his own business Palen Masonry. Stephen was very active and a board member for the New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club; and was also a member of the New Buffalo Steelheader’s Association.   Stephen is survived by his wife – Glenda Sue (Mills) Palen; his father-in-law Emit Mills of Hillsdale, MI; brother-in-laws Floyd (Martha) Mills of Hong Kong, China and Timothy (Janette) Mills of Hillsdale, MI; sister-in-law Sally Anne Mills of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents-Eugene and Ethel Palen.   A gathering celebrating his life will be held at the New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club on Kruger Road in New Buffalo on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 2:00-5:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Lover’s Inc. or to the Michiana Humane Society. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com