Steven John Spirk

Steven John Spirk, 78, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 29, 1947, Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth, humor, and generosity touched countless lives.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 58 years, Jean Ann (Kendig) Spirk; his sons Tony (Alison) Spirk and Bob (Amanda) Spirk; his daughter, Amy (Phil) Klimowicz; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Powel) Spirk. Steve was a proud and adoring “Papaw” to his 16 grandchildren: Natalie (Sam), Abigail (Elliot), Jacob, Ellie, Alex David Feucht, Madelynn, Henry, Augustus Spirk, Fiona, Cecelia Spirk, Olivia, Sage Spirk, Adrienne, Mathew, and Michael Powel.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian M. Spirk; his parents, John and Zita (Voskuhl) Spirk; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Yingling) Kendig; his sister, Janet (Spirk) Behnken; and his brother, William Spirk, O.F.M.

After graduating high school, Steve proudly served in the United States Air Force, and his family treasured hearing his stories from that time. He went on to work at Standard Register Co. for 30 years before starting his own business with Jean, which they ran together for 25 years. Steve was also deeply involved in his community, coaching soccer and sharing his time and talents generously.

He found joy in vacationing at the beach, watching his grandchildren excel in sports and academics, and cheering them on from the sidelines. Papaw was known for greeting them after games with a special treat—just one of the many ways he showed his love.

Steve will be remembered for his humor, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering love. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the countless moments of laughter and care he shared.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Albert the Great Church in Dayton, Ohio. Family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the church’s gathering space. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.