Stephen Michael Dunifin

Stephen Michael Dunifin, 19, of South Bend, Indiana, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

His life began February 13, 2006 in Niles, Michigan born to Michael Dunifin and Dannielle McMillan.

Stephen cherished his family more than anything. He was a very talented and artistic young man. He was very athletic: he enjoyed basketball, soccer, and going to the gym to workout. He was proud to play football his Senior year of high school. He was a 2024 graduate of Clay High School, which was the last graduating class before the school closed. All of his teachers loved him and was even a teachers aid his Senior year. Stephen loved music and worked hard at learning how to play guitar. He was a hard worker and was very dedicated to the family he was building. He had an excitement for life and was motivated for the future.

Stephen will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Dannielle (Jesse) Jaynes of South Bend; his father, Michael Dunifin of Niles; fiancée, Shauna Buss of New Carlisle; Baby Boy on the way, Syair Michael; siblings, Hailey, Hunter, Alyssa, Michael, Landon, Jackson, Kayden, Mason; grandfathers, Matt Burns of Niles, Carl McMillan of Tennessee; great grandparents, Jim and Merva Zaleski; aunt, Alicia McMillan; favorite uncle, Lusman Roblero of South Bend; uncles, Matthew (Nikki) McMillan of the Carolinas, Austin McMillan of Niles; cousins, Chloe, Kate, Tate; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Ashley Roblero and his grandmothers, Carrie Burns, Beverly Dunifin Lewis.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. Family and friends will gather for a funeral service Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., with an hour of visitation prior in the funeral home.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Stephen be made to the family in anticipation of Baby Boy Syair Michael, c/o Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.