Stephen L. Giertych

Trying to capture Steve into words is not an easy task – he wouldn’t have wanted an obituary. He  didn’t want a fuss. But we’re writing this anyway, because he mattered deeply to the people who loved him. If you knew him, you knew that he was unforgettable.

Born in Michigan but a proud honorary Texan, Steve was a man of many layers: creative, particular, bossy, curious, and quite the mix of grumpy and soft-hearted. He was stubborn in the most endearing way, and always, always right. He showed love in the most honest ways: through acts of service, shared snacks, unsolicited advice, and fierce loyalty. He was endlessly creative, collected everything under the sun, and found joy in the little things: rocks, yard art, tools, antiques, and anything else he could find in the seats of an airplane or on the side of the road. And yes – every single item had a backstory and a purpose.  He mowed his lawn like it was a competitive sport, and he could fix, tinker, or reinvent anything – usually with painter’s tape, zip ties, or an extension cord or two. Organized chaos was his way of life – a system only he fully understood, yet one he maintained with pride and precision. His home was truly a one-of-a-kind Steve masterpiece, equipped with grab bars in every direction, his beloved grabbers strategically placed for convenience, deer blind curtains, and his favorite camo couch.

Sunglasses on, no matter the time or place, he ruled his domain with a firm voice, a soft heart, and a whole lot of love. Especially for the stray cats  who adopted him and adored him.  Above all, he was a loving father. His daughter was the light of his world, his pride and joy. She brought out his gentlest side, his biggest smiles, and his strongest sense of purpose.  Steve leaves behind, his daughter, Stephanie, and her husband Dusty. Two beautiful grandsons, Grayson and Cameron, who brought him immense joy and pride by being their Grandpa Steve. His six siblings, each with their own unique relationship, as well as all his nieces, nephews, and cousins that each held a special place in his life. His former wife, Debbie, with whom he shared a special bond as she cared for him with love and compassion during his final days. Steve also leaves behind a remarkable circle of neighbors and friends. People who showed up, looked out for him, and cared for him with a love and loyalty that ran deeper than blood. Their kindness, respect, and unwavering presence in his life meant the world to him, and to us. And, of course, we cannot forget about Wardat the cat, who will surely miss his daily dose of scratchy scratchys.  We take comfort in knowing that he is finally reunited with his mom and dad, and other friends, loved ones, and many beloved pets who went before him.  

Per his wishes, there will be no formal service. But if you’d like to honor him, do it his way: mow the lawn just right, feed a stray cat, fix something with zip ties, or proudly hang something strange but wonderful in your front yard. He may be gone, but his stories, his creativity, and his legacy of love will remain – woven into every odd little item he collected, and every life he touched along the way.

Please share a memory of Steve by signing his Guestbook.