Mr. Stephen William Natsues

Steve courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for the last sixteen years. It brings us comfort knowing he is now in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father where he joins his father, mother and grandparents as they welcome him home.

Steve was an outstanding athlete playing both basketball and football at Fresno City College earning “All American” wide receiver honors where he still holds the all-time record for most received catches. Steve was inducted into Fresno City “Wall of Fame” in 1997. He earned an athletic football scholarship at the University of Kansas playing alongside his teammate and roommate, John Riggins, who played for the Washington Red Skins.

Basketball was his true love and he coached for Sanger, Clovis West, and Roosevelt. One of his proudest moments was coaching the 1989 Rough Rider team, “The Velts” to an HIT victory. Steve loved the players like his own children, and it was not uncommon for his family to open up their home for a hot meal or a place to stay. The single most important thing in his life was his family.

Steve taught us the meaning of unconditional love and loyalty.

Steve passes onto his family his deep love for the Greek Church and all its rich traditions. Steve proudly served for two years as Parish President and devoted may years barbecuing lamb for the Food Festival.

Honey, May your Memory be eternal.

Steve leaves behind his devoted wife of thirty years, Janet Duke; children, Stephanie and husband Tom Carroll; son, Nikolos; brothers Tim and wife Lynn, Bill, Jon and wife Paige, and granddaughter Lola, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. followed by a Trisagion Service at 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be sent to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard St., Fresno, CA 93703.