Stephen Peter Wanders

Stephen Peter Wanders, 69, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at his home in Cumming, Georgia, with family by his side. Born on November 7, 1956, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the beloved son of the late Richard H. Wanders and Barbara A. Wanders.

Steve met the love of his life, Lori, at Purdue University earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. They married August 12, 1978, staying in West Lafayette while he completed his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1979.

Steve worked for CH2M HILL for a remarkable 35 years, serving in a variety of roles including Professional Engineer, Project Manager, Regional Business Group Manager, Vice President-Midwest Transportation Group, and Global Director/Operations-Ports & Maritime. CH2M HILL brought Steve and his family to places such as Portland, Milwaukee, Dayton, and Savannah, making lifelong friends in every location. Knowing he could never stay still for long, he spent his "retirement" working as Assistant Director of Cooperative Education at Purdue University and later as Assistant Director of Career Services-Employer Engagement, at the University of North Georgia.

Steve received Purdue University's Civil Engineering Alumni Achievement Award (CEAAA) in 2003. Additionally, he was inducted into the Purdue University Office of Professional Practice Hall of Fame in September 2019.

He enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors of the CH2M HILL Alumni Association, serving as an engineering mentor at Purdue University, while also making time to serve as an HOA board member. Steve's previous involvement included serving with MATHCOUNTS, serving as a faculty advisor for his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, and serving as both a member and chair of the Civil Engineering Advisory Council at Purdue University.

Steve was always happiest with his family, but he also enjoyed golf, pickleball, fishing, annual hunting trips, and traveling with family and friends. He especially treasured spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, school activities, and theater productions. He was known for his kindness, warm smile, and servant’s heart. He was full of integrity, led by example, and worked towards excellence in everything he did. He had a tireless work ethic and had the ability to fix just about anything. He prioritized people above all else.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Lori; his two daughters, Jennifer and Natalie (Blair); and his beloved grandchildren, Peyton, Charlie, Owen, Elly, and Toby. He was a loving brother to Richard Wanders (Karen) and Mary Lou Hutt (George). He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Skip and Rise Paterson, and his nephews, Jon Wanders (Emily) and Dan Wanders (Elizabeth).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Richard Wanders; his sister-in-law, Karen Wanders; and mother- and father-in-law, Betty and Warren Craig.

Visitation will occur on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at South Forsyth Memorial Chapel, 3545 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:00 am at Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075.

In lieu of flowers, Steve requested that donations be made to the CH2M HILL Legacy Gift Fund - In Memory of Steve Wanders https://donate.stripe.com/eVq9AT1OLfQOdY7gdM00003

Steve spent 35 years at CH2M HILL, delivering projects and building lasting relationships. The company was sold, but a non-profit charity was formed to help sustain the company legacy and to "pay-it-forward". Steve developed and managed the academic scholarship program and was very proud of its accomplishments!