Steven Jay Wandt

Steve Wandt, my husband and friend of 23 years passed away suddenly July 24, 2023.

Steve is remembered for his tireless support of Vietnam veterans. He served 2 tours in the Army, Special Forces, Vietnam, 1967-1969, to include fighting in the Tet Offensive. He was appointed by Washington DC to hand out Challenge coins to Veterans who returned home without a welcome. Steve would hand them their coin, give them a hug and say “Welcome Home Brother." Twice, Steve rode his motorcycle across the U.S. from California to Washington DC with the National Veterans Awareness Organization (NVAO). NAVO stopped at memorials and Veterans homes along the way. Steve loved sharing stories and lending support to the Veterans he talked with. He proudly financed and dedicated a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Foresthill, CA and served as a leader in Wreaths across America.

Steve had many skills and passions that led him to pursue different endeavors He was a building contractor, pilot, gold miner, adventurer, soldier, veteran, patriot camper, grandpa, and most recently, a master jeweler. Uncle Sam trained him to be a jeweler due to his Agent Orange exposure. He loved to craft special pieces of custom jewelry, often using gold and gems that he had mined and leaves a legacy of beautiful jewelry across the world. Steve had a larger-than-life personality and touched the lives of many people. He is survived by his wife, Denise Kelly, his stepchildren Jenny, Mike, Colleen and Dustin, his grandchildren Chloe, Greyson and Quinn, and his mother-in-law Joyce Wenker.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held starting at 1:00 PM, September 16, 2023, at the River Bend Town Hall, with a motorcycle and police escort to the VFW, Butler Rd., New Bern, NC 28560. Please join us to celebrate Steven. If inclined instead of flowers you may donate in his name to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Wandt family.