Stephen Paul Welhausen

A three-legged dog walked into a bar and said, "I'm looking for the man that shot my paw". If you spent much time with Steve, you probably heard him tell that joke or one of his many others. As corny as they were, they never failed in their mission to put a smile on the recipient's face! Steve had many talents. But his greatest gift was his ability to listen with intent, take a genuine interest in each person, and seize any opportunity to lift them, empower them and love them! He made you feel like the most important person in the room, because to him you were!

On Monday morning, August 10, 2015, the Lord took Stephen Paul (Steve) Welhausen to Heaven, where he is no doubt charming the angels with his quick wit and infectious smile! Steve died as the result of a mixed martial arts cage fighting accident, and his opponent was pancreatic cancer. Throughout his fight, he never lost his sense of humor or his ability to make you smile. That was one thing cancer couldn't take from him!

Steve was the founder, owner and Chief Junk Officer of Junk Busters-USA! After many successful years in sales, he started the company in 2004 with pen, paper, and an idea to put a professional spin on what was typically an unprofessional industry. He did such a great job that it was often thought to be a national franchise, and was chosen to work with the TLC shows "While You Were Out" and "Hoarders". Customers loved him (Junk Busters maintained a 5-Star Yelp rating) and his employees became family! You can still see his shiny lime green trucks around town with the slogan "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Twice Your Junk Back!".

Born in Yoakum, Texas on March 24, 1962 to Harry Welhausen and Anna Mae Welhausen, Steve was a lifelong Texan. He leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Betsy Womble Welhausen. Also left to recount endless stories about him are his daughter Logan Pike and his son-in-law Josh Pike of Austin, his son Chris Welhausen of Denton, his brother Mike Welhausen and sister-in-law Frieda Blackwell Welhausen of Waco, and his precious grandchildren, Landry Pike and Maclin Pike. He was preceded in death by his parents.

We are grateful for the doctors and nurses at Texas Oncology, the nurses and staff at Seton Main, Dr. Sarah Pierce, Dodie, and the staff at Margolin Keinarth, and the compassionate care provided by Hospice Austin.

A memorial service celebrating Steve's life will be held at the chapel at Riverbend Church, 4214 N. Capital of Tx Hwy, Austin 78746 at 2pm on Saturday August 22nd. Donations may be made to Hospice Austin or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.

Steve was one of a kind and will be dearly missed! You can honor him by being intentional in making someone smile each day. That will be his legacy!