Stephen J. Averitt, 58, of 819 E. Margaret St., Ironwood, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, May 20, 2009, at his home.      He was born Nov. 9, 1950, in Laurium, son of the late John and Carmen (Cundy) Averitt. He attended Glennonville Grade School in Glennonville, Mo. and St. Ambrose Catholic Grade School in Ironwood, and graduated from Wayzata High School in Wayzata, Minn. in 1969.      He entered the U.S. Navy on Dec. 4, 1969, serving on the USS Chilton out of Norfolk, Va. for two years and in tug boat duty out of Norfolk and Chesapeake Bay, Va. for two years, and was honorably discharged on Dec. 3, 1973.      Following his discharge, Steve was employed as a courier for Pony Express in Minneapolis and for the Michigan State Lottery Commission, and drove charter bus in Houghton and Ironwood. He presently was working at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Ironwood.      He enjoyed his home and taking care of his yard and his cats, as well as snowmobiling and fishing and spending time with family and friends.      STEVE WAS A LOVING, WITTY AND CARING PERSON WHO WAS ALWAYS THERE IN TIME OF NEED FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.      Surviving are his brother, Jim, and Jim's companion, Mary Salzmann, both of Ironwood; his girlfriend of 13 years, Bonnie Minkin, Ironwood; four nephews, Daniel Averitt and Nicholas (Krystal) Averitt, both of Minneapolis, Bryce Averitt, Los Angeles, Calif., and Marc Averitt, Milwaukee, Wis.; two nieces, Rachael Averitt, Green Bay, Wis. and Tiffany Averitt, Ironwood; two great-nieces, Brayden and Kate Averitt, and one great-nephew, Ian Averitt, all of Ironwood; a sister-in-law, Sue Averitt, Ironwood; a cousin, Cheryl (Rick) Rozman, Gwinn; and many dear friends.      Besides his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a brother, Paul D. Averitt, in Dec. 2006; and a nephew, Jim P. Averitt, Dec. 2, 2003.      Private family services will be held.      Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Houghton.      Memorial contributions may be made to the HOPE Animal Shelter, 510 Easy St., Ironwood, MI 49938.      To view Steve's obituary online and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.      Steve's family wishes to sincerely thank Ironwood Public Safety officers Brandon Snyder and Andrew Leiphart and the six EMT's/Paramedics from Beacon Ambulance for their concerted effort in their attempt to resuscitate Steve.