Gregory Mark Stephan

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth R. Stephan and Jacqueline M. Stephan, and his sister Kathleen "Katie" Homrighausen, as well as his favorite cat Mouser and his best dog friend Xena.

He is survived by his wife Kathy E. Stephan, brother Robert J. Stephan of Houston, TX; son Eric T. Stephan & spouse Andrea "Skye" Drake-Stephan of Rockdale, TX; stepdaughter Erika L. Haynes & spouse Matthew "Thax" Griffith of Austin, TX; son Alex D. Stephan of Austin, TX; grandchildren Sadie and Solomon of Blanco, TX; stepdaughter Holly A. McLauchlin & spouse John "Mac" McLauchlin; and granddaughter Emeleia of Bloomington, IN.

Greg grew up in Houston, TX, graduating from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in 1970. He served in the Air Force accompanied by his first wife, Joan, and their son, Eric. He was stationed in the Philippines, the Gulf of Mexico, and Maine. From there, he worked at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, after attaining a Bachelor of Science in Radio, Television, and Film.

He married the love of his life, Kathy, on October 8, 1985. Greg and the entire Stephan family welcomed Kathy, her children Erika, Alex, Holly, and her foster son, Richard, with unconditional acceptance and affection from the very beginning. Greg formally adopted Alex in 1986.

Greg led the family on many wonderful adventures, including road trips to the Renaissance Festival and camping trips to state parks. Greg’s favorite location was Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, TX, with happy memories of campfires, hikes, and burnt marshmallows. Greg and Kathy traveled to historical sites, lighthouses, and artsy cities each October for their anniversary, as well as a trip of a lifetime to Scotland in 2015.

Greg used his considerable skills in audio and video engineering to travel all over the world, eventually landing at DePauw University, where he worked at the Eugene S. Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media as Chief Engineer for over 30 years. Decades of young people from nephews to WGRE student DJs to A/V Club kids can trace their media interest and career success back to Greg.

Stephan could often be seen driving around in his 1967 A100 Dodge Van, named Watson. Watson was practically a member of the family and a beloved sight on the Greencastle streets. Watson has been adopted by a family that does classic car restorations to keep this legacy of good times rolling on down the highway.

Greg was also involved in local community theatre with his wife Kathy usually directing. Greg was occasionally persuaded to act in a play, but he much preferred the backstage technical aspects of theatre. Greg was proud of the sound system he installed at the Putnam County Playhouse in the 1990s and for doing tech for Greencastle’s public TV station.

At home, Greg enjoyed the company of many housecats over the years which were brought in from the cat colony he made on the porch with insulation and heating lamps. Other hobbies and interests included watching science fiction films and television (especially Star Trek), talking about classic films, reading detective and fantasy novels, and listening to classic rock music.

Stephan has been the solid rock of his family. He instilled concepts of honor, kindness, and generosity, but, when needed, also the art of destroying an enemy with wits rather than fists. He was honest with his feelings, and it did not diminish his strength in the least. After almost 38 years of marriage, he was still madly in love with his wife, often surprising her with romantic gestures. He modeled righteous anger for a noble cause and the grace of accepting apologies and extending forgiveness. He raised his kids with encouragement and constant affection to help them grow into competent, confident people who can face the world with a sense of humor. He passes along the Stephan Luck: Things may not work out perfectly, but somehow they always work out.

An informal celebration will be held in his honor on Friday November 17 at 5:30 pm at DePauw’s PCCM 609 S Locust St Greencastle IN.

We will love him forever, and we will miss him terribly. Stephan to Enterprise: One To Beam Up.