Stephen Curtis Gilstrap

Known to most as Steve, and affectionately called "Teeber" by his mother, Steve was born on February 10, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, to Lee Roy and Grace Gilstrap.

Steve grew up learning the value of hard work, rising before dawn to milk cows, tending gardens, and working the farm alongside his siblings and dad. The family moved to Thornton, Colorado, in 1971 where Steve continued building on those roots. From 1974 to 1977, he proudly served in the United States Army as a combat engineer with the 54th Engineer Battalion, stationed in Germany. Steve loved the enrichment that came with living abroad, and it broadened his world in ways he carried with him always. During his enlistment he married and later welcomed two beautiful children, Zachary and Kendra. Years later, Steve entered a new chapter marrying Anita Gilstrap on August 11, 1998 in Coeur d’Alene Idaho where he became a devoted father to Aspen & Jessica. In 2000, he welcome his youngest child, Curtis.

Steve paired his construction background with technical education and discovered a true passion for kitchen design, a career he loved until retiring from Home Depot in 2024. Inspired by his mother Grace, he volunteered faithfully at the Rocky Mountain Food Bank until his location closed.

He loved barbecuing, gardening, camping, listening to the blues, and hitting the trails on his ATV. Above all, Steve made people laugh and always made time for fun. He was famous for sneaking up behind the kids, scaring them half to death, and then laughing like there was no tomorrow. You never knew what he was up to next, and that was part of his magic and mischief. Steve was also a member of the American Legion post no 22 in Northglenn.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roy and Grace Gilstrap, and brothers Robert, Tim, Tom, James, and William Gilstrap. He is survived by his children, Aspen Gelski, Jessica Gelski, Curtis Gilstrap, Zach Gilstrap, and Kendra Gilstrap; his siblings, Richard Gilstrap (Yvonne), Betty Chinn (Vernon), Ron Gilstrap, Patricia Gilstrap, Linda Fresquez (Joe), and Dan Gilstrap (Sonia); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.

May he find the peace that faith promises, resting gently in God's care.

Visitation will be held on May 19 at Olinger Highland Mortuary and Cemetery, 10201 Grant St., Thornton, CO 80229, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will take place at the same location from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by a potluck from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at American Legion Post 22, 11081 Irma Dr., Northglenn, CO 80233.

There is going to be another service in Pratt Kansas. His brother in-law, Vernon Chinn is going to be officiating at Reach Church 1000 East 6th Street, Pratt, KS 67124 May 22nd 10:00 am.

Steve's final resting will take place at Maud Cemetery in Cunningham, Kansas. There will be a lunch at the Reach church after internment.

As many may know, Steve grew fond of hummingbirds. If you see a hummingbird in the days ahead, take a moment and smile. They are said to be spiritual messengers, gentle signs that a departed loved one is at peace. Steve would want you to know he is just fine.