Steve Stephenson

Steve Stephenson, age 71, of Columbus, passed away peacefully Friday, January 26, 2024 at Mount Carmel East Hospital. He was born January 27, 1952 in Bowling Green, Ohio, to the late Kenneth and Patricia (Dukett) Stephenson.

Steve was the 4th of 11 children and from the time he could ride a bike he was always helping others. He would visit farming neighbors offering to help with chores, and most of the time for nothing in return. He would lend a hand picking tobacco or tomatoes, bailing hay, or feeding and caring for farm animals. He moved to Columbus at age fifteen, there he met the love of his life Mary, age thirteen. He always kept her on her toes, made her laugh and took her on many adventures. They raised 3 boys and spent countless weekends camping, boating and fishing. Steve always knew how to have a good time and was someone you could easily say he never met a stranger. He had a knack for making everyone feel welcome; was an incredibly loving, compassionate, and empathic person. He was a friend to all. His passion for the outdoors was contagious and you couldn’t help being excited with him when hearing about (or being brought along) on his many adventures, be it hunting for pawpaw fruit and mushrooms or deer hunting and teaching his grandchildren to appreciate nature. It was clear that Steve embraced marrying into a German family. Over the years he could often be seen skillfully cutting a rug on the dance floor at Oktoberfest with Mary, or any wiling dance partner. More recently, Steve could often be found wearing an orange vest and driving his side-by-side wherever he pleased. His fun-loving and trinket-bearing spirit will be sorely missed by his loving wife, family and friends.

Along with his parents, Steve was preceded in death by sisters; Shirley Cruz, Joanne Amos, Sherry Boulden, and brothers; Bill, Bob, Larry, Dutch, and Dick Stephenson. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Stephenson; sons Stephen Stephenson, Nicholas (Amber) Stephenson, and Joseph Stephenson, his five grandchildren; Courtney Stephenson, Jared Stephenson, Kyle Moore, Nicholas Stephenson and Wyatt Stephenson. Also survived by sister, Carol (Kirk) Hintz, and brother Mark Stephenson; numerous nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held at Schoedinger funeral home, 1051 East Johnstown Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230 on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 1 pm to 3pm as well as 6pm to 8pm. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024, beginning at 11 am. Steve will be laid to rest at Headley Cemetery in Blacklick Ohio. His family asks that In lieu of flowers, contributions are made in Steve’s name to The Central Ohio Military Museum and The Wounded Warrior Project.