Stephen H. Gonce Jr., 45, a lifetime Plymouth, Ind., resident, died at 3:05 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, following an extended illness.

The son of Stephen H. and DiAnne King Gonce Sr., Steve was born on Feb. 3, 1968, in Plymouth. He was a 1986 graduate of Plymouth High School.

On July 16, 1994, Steve married his wife, Melinda, in their back yard.

Steve had been employed at Flexible Technologies for 17 years, until his illness.

A loving father, husband and grandfather, Steve enjoyed sports. He was a fan of the Steelers, Notre Dame football and he coached softball. He also enjoyed fishing, flying model airplanes, dirtbike racing, tinkering in his garage and going on motorcycle rides.

Steve is survived by his wife: Melinda, Plymouth; his daughter: Amanda Gonce, Argos; three grandchildren: Dustin, Zachery and Parker; a sister: Jamie J. Gonce, Noblesville, Ind.; two brothers: Abree S. (Jodi) Gonce and their children: Monet and Ava, all of Plymouth; and Aaron T. (Gary Stephens) Gonce, Noblesville; Troy’s children: Ashley and Garrett Gonce; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Troy Gonce; and his grandparents.

The family will receive friends at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in new Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.