Stephen Kay Stilp

Steve, age 83, from Austin TX, passed away suddenly at his residence in Westminster Manor on April 1, 2025.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1941, in Appleton, WI, Steve grew up on Lake Winnebago in Neenah, WI with his family of seven. His quick wit and mischievous behavior always had his family laughing and on their toes. As an active family with a shared love for the outdoors, they treasured time on the lake aboard the “Huff & Puff,” a houseboat they proudly built together from the ground up. Athleticism ran in the family – Steve’s passion and talent for sports showed early on, as he won regattas on Class A scows and set records on the football field during his high school years. One of his most cherished memories of his youth was his involvement with the Boys' Brigade, a longstanding youth development organization dedicated to building leadership, character, and community engagement. In high school, Steve was honored as “Brigadier of the Year,” following his brother Lyall in earning the distinction, making them the first brothers to receive the award.

Steve attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX where he became the first student from a northern state to be elected class president. A transformative moment during college came when he participated in Operation Crossroads Africa. He was one of just two U.S. students selected to join a World Council of Churches mission in South Africa. When apartheid-related visa issues threatened the trip, Steve successfully leveraged connections from a summer internship at Kimberly-Clark to secure the group’s entry. The experience not only left a deep impression on him, but also, the insights gained helped lay the groundwork for the future Peace Corps’ efforts in South Africa. One highlight of the trip was sitting in a ditch alongside a road visiting with Nelson Mandela for hours.

After college, Steve earned his MBA from West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. He went on to build a dynamic 30-year career as an entrepreneur and business leader working in diverse industries – consumer products, banking, construction, agriculture, hospitality, real estate, energy and technology – and holding roles in management, operations, sales, and marketing. Known for his boundless optimism, Steve had a gift for seeing the glass half full and bringing the same positive spirit to every endeavor.

Steve was a generous and reliable presence, always ready to lend a hand and always saying yes when asked for help. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, rarely missing a gymnastics meet or a soccer game – there to cheer on a win or offer a comforting shoulder in defeat. He served as a second parent to his children’s friends growing up, always having a meal on the table when kids congregated. Steve shared his time, talents, and passion with his church community, serving as both elder and photographer. He also gave back through leadership roles as a board member of Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited (GRTU) and an alumnus of Trinity University. A true early adopter of technology, Steve loved using the latest gadgets. He carried a car phone as early as 1966 and built his own home computer long before most people knew what one was.

Survivors include his spouse of 58 years, Mary Jo (Boehm) Stilp, and children Coby (Alison) Stilp of Austin, TX and Kara (Barry) Griffin of Leesburg, VA, as well as a brother Lyall (Joyce) Stilp of Oshkosh, WI and a sister Geraldine (Charles) Garbaccio of NJ, and seven grandchildren: Haley and Hunter Stilp, Molly Weaver, and Hayden, Braxton, Chance, and Ella Sloane Griffin.

He is predeceased by parents Mildred (Popp) and Lyall C Stilp, (Neenah, WI), brother Jon Stilp (Oshkosh, WI) and brother Mowry (Carole) Stilp (Mahtomedi, MN).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78731. You may honor Steve’s memory with donations to First Presbyterian Church in his name.