Stephen Lloyd Ficek

Stephen Lloyd Ficek, age 47, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on March 6, 2026. He was born on August 7, 1978, in Dallas, Oregon, to Lynn Lenore Ficek, the mother who shaped and loved him throughout his life.

Steve, "Only my mother calls me Stephen" Ficek grew up in Salem, Oregon where he attended Morningside Elementary, Leslie Middle School, and South Salem High School. He was known from an early age for his humor, persistence, and sometimes rebellious nature.

Participating in Scouting, he experienced some of his best times with friendships formed there. In March 2016, Steve started dating Tessa, and the two were married on June 20, 2020.

Together they blended their families and built a home in Salem, Oregon. It was a life he cherished deeply. He often told anyone who would listen, including hospital staff during his many stays, that the last ten years with Tessa had been the best of his life, describing it as beyond anything he had ever imagined.

Steve's path to fatherhood was one that grew and evolved throughout his life. His oldest son came into the world early in his journey, and through his first marriage he opened his heart further still, adopting one child and welcoming two more biological children. Each addition shaped him into the father he.was becoming. It was in his second marriage, however, that everything came together. Receiving sole custody of his youngest children and welcoming Tessa's two children into the fold, he finally found the fullness and happiness he had always sought.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who went above and beyond to care and provide for his family. Most recently, becoming a grandfather, you find him beaming with joy in every photo of him and baby James Dean. Even in the midst of his illness, he could be found out in the rain working on one of the kids' vehicles to make sure they could get around safely. His family will carry with them some of his most beloved phrases: "Equal treatment, be a giver not a taker," "Autobots Rollout," and of course, "Time to make the donuts."

Steve began working at an early age for his mother and stepfather at Edgewater Automotive, a service repair shop and fuel station that was located in West Salem. Through the years he worked in the automotive business, as a brake-repair tech and later as a salesman with Batteries Northwest. Steve also spent some time working in kitchens in Hawaii and Oregon. He last worked for the Salem School District as a Maintenance 2 Worker doing metal fabrication.

Steve was an outstanding cook, and his family and friends always knew they were in for a treat when he would fire up the grill or pull a treat out of his food dehydrator. In addition to cooking as a hobby and passion, Steve loved gaming, taking road trips with Tessa, spending time with his family, and attending concerts. In fact, he was a big fan of Tool and one of his favorite

quotes from the song Reflection was, "And let the past break through, bringing out our hope and reason."

While grand gestures weren't his style, Steve had a quiet generosity that spoke volumes.

He would secretly seek out those in need, stocking his car with hand wam1ers, and making special trips to purchase shoes, socks, and food for the homeless. Day after day, he passed these simple gifts to the familiar faces he encountered, never asking for recognition. Steve simply wanted to be a light in someone's day. He believed deeply that every person deserves to feel seen and loved, even by a stranger. ln this way, he was the truest definition of paying it forward. He was known for learning the names of everyone he had contact with, and would often thank people by name, no matter their lot in life.

Sadly, Steve experienced the worst day of his life when he lost his son Austin. Soon after, he experienced the second worst day when he was diagnosed with cancer. Steve was a model patient though and after changing his diet and lifestyle and staying committed to his treatment and surgeries, he successfully beat his cancer.

Unfortunately, on February 13, 2026 he was admitted to Salem Health with a severe blood infection leading to septic shock. After three weeks of intense fighting, Steve let go and passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife Tessa, his mother Lynn, his father-in-law Robert, his cousin Amber, and his brother Dan and is wife, Deborah.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Tessa Ficek; his son, Ronin Ficek (24); his daughter Ashlynn Ficek (24) and her son, James Dean Perez; his daughter Tuesday Franklin (21); his daughter Ivy Ficek (20); his son Taumas Franklin (17); his mother Lynn Ficek; his brother and sister-in-law Danial and Deborah Ficek and their children: Desmond and Roxanne Looney (and their children Dennis, James, and Jordan), Madison Crapser (and her children Jonathan Jr. and

Yesenia}, Ethan Ficek, and Nolan Ficek; his brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Katie Ficek and their children: Hayden Ficek, Jack Ficek, and Tommy Ficek; his father-in-law and his fiance, Robert Sweitzer and Jackie David; his brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Samantha Sweitzer with their children Aiden Sweitzer and Logan Sweitzer; Kevin and Della Holstrom with their son Tylur Holstrom; Jack McAurther; and Mike and Jasmine Curry.

He was preceded in death by his son Austin Ficek, grandparents Herb Sr. and Gladys Ferris, stepfather Phillip Ficek, and his uncle Charles Ferris.

A memorial service to honor Steve will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00pm at The Broadway Commons in Salem, Oregon, located on the second floor in the Grant Room.

Parking available in the main parking lot or the gravel parking lot across the street. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Steve's memory.

Contributions to Lines for Life may be made in Steven's memory to honor his son, Austin. Donations may also be made to Kickin' Cancer in Steve's memory to remember his strength in facing and overcoming his own cancer diagnosis.