Stephen is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sydney Roosa (née Semrau); his son Joshua Roosa and wife Christine Roosa, his daughter Rebekah Roosa-Mason and husband Adam Mason, his daughter Sarah Yosef and her wife Maeg Yosef; his grandchildren Andrew Roosa, Alexandra Mason, Kymberly Roosa, Audrey Roosa, Annie Roosa, and Oren Bruml; his brother Wayne Roosa and wife Cheryl, his brother Bruce Roosa and wife Barb, and his sister Kathryn Rooklidge and her husband Bill Rooklidge.
Stephen was born in Boulder, CO on September 14, 1947 to Lloyd and Matilda Roosa. The oldest of four siblings, they lived in a variety of homes in the western states; he called Cheyenne, WY or Boulder, CO his primary home. He graduated from Boulder High School in 1965.
Stephen attended the University of Colorado where he met Linda Amitrani, studied history, and was a member of the Navy ROTC program. He graduated with his BA in history in 1969 and married Linda in June. He was then commissioned as an officer in the Navy and served his country honorably in Vietnam, where he did one tour of duty as a Lieutenant on the USS Anchorage.
Having grown up in the church, Stephen knew at a young age he wanted to be a minister. Upon returning home from Vietnam in 1971, he attended Fuller Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity. He served at Central Presbyterian Church in Merced, CA, Westhope Presbyterian Church in Saratoga, CA and First Presbyterian Church in San Mateo.
Stephen was a doting father to his young children, always ensuring that Christmases and vacations home to Colorado were made special for his young kids.
Stephen and Sydney Semrau were married on November 25, 1994. Following a long tenure at Westhope, Stephen returned to school at San Francisco Theological Seminary to obtain his Doctor of Divinity. Stephen and Sydney then took a call at First Presbyterian Church in Alliance, NE.
In 2013, Stephen and Sydney retired and moved to Surprise, AZ. Never one to sit still, Stephen sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He also worked one year as Interim pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Phoenix. Stephen taught and preached, and served as Director of Adult Education at his and Sydney’s home church, Christ Presbyterian Church, in Goodyear, AZ.
Stephen enjoyed writing and reading. He took great pleasure in reading books to his grandchildren and would beam with excitement over the opportunity to share a new book. Stephen enjoyed singing in the church choir and sharing his love of the LORD with anyone he met. Stephen enjoyed wood carving and debating current topics with his friends and family.
There will be a viewing followed by a Celebration of Life service at Christ Presbyterian Church in Goodyear, AZ on Saturday April 2. Viewing begins at 10:00 am with the service at 11:00. There will be a Commitment ceremony at the National Cemetery on Monday April 4.
Donations may be made in Stephen’s honor to www.helpvets.com. .
Many thanks to Surprise Funeral Care, to Pastor Mike of Christ Presbyterian Church and to all those at CPC who are participating in this celebration.
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.” Job 19: 25-27 NLT
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