Steven F. DeMenge, born January 8, 1930 went to be with the Lord, and his lovely wife Marilyn, Tuesday March 12, 2019. Born to Walter and Ruth DeMenge of Hutchinson Minnesota, Steve was the 10th child out of a total 16 children. Survived by his last remaining brother, Winfield DeMenge (95) and children Deborah (DeMenge) Schwartzenberger , Steven DeMenge Jr. and Ganiece (DeMenge), with youngest son Jody DeMenge who passed in 2005.
Although logging was in his blood, Steve decided to move to Arizona with his wife Marilyn to pursue carpentry in the town of Tucson. With only a 7th grade education, Steve became a self-taught, proficient contractor and pioneered the residential construction industry with ingenious methods allowing his team to mass produce residential neighborhoods, leaving even the most experienced builders in wonder! A no-nonsense type, he wasn’t afraid to work at ground-level with his crew, further solidifying his reputation as a craftsman.
In addition to his love for carpentry, was his love for horse racing. The Six Bar D (6-D) racing stables in the early to mid 1960’s, owned by Steve and his Marilyn, was home to over 20 head thoroughbred horses. In the late 1960’s, Steve, his wife Marilyn and their 4 children, found themselves changing direction once more, and pulled up their Arizona roots and headed to Seattle. Steve continued his passion for building, transitioning to commercial construction for the Weyerhaeuser Corporation and Trademark Corporation and remained active in the local horse-racing community. After several years in construction, Steve decided it was time to change careers and started his own hay distribution business. Known as the “Ol’ Timer”, he drove his semi around Washington state to transport and deliver quality hay at an affordable price. Keeping his steadfast work ethic, he managed his hay business through his mid 80’s, until the side effects of a stroke forced him to hang up his trucking keys.
Steve and Marilyn spent their final years enjoying their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and even took 8 months to travel the united states in their motorhome. Although his physical presence has left, he will forever be remembered by his family and all those who had the honor of calling Steve a friend. Services will be held at Purdy and Walters/Floral Hills in Lynnwood WA at 1pm on Friday March 29, 2019.
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