It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Richard R. Steppe, 82, of Wakefield, Kansas, on January 17, 2024, in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born December 20, 1941, in Clay Center, Kansas, to parents John (Jack) and Margie Steppe.
He married Bonnie J. (Koerner-Budden), in Clay Center, Kansas, on August 17, 1967. They raised four children- Lile, Luanne, Angela, and Rich. They have 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Richard grew up on the family farm south of Wakefield and graduated high school in 1959. He served in the US Army and fought in the Vietnam War. He worked briefly for Home Oil Company and the Wakefield Co-op before embarking in his heating and air conditioning profession working for T&J Sheet Metal and Carlson Heating and Air for over 40 years. He was known as a hard and dependable craftsman. He was an avid sports fan- following his kids and grandkids thousands of miles to support them and their activities. He was proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments and was no doubt their biggest fan. He liked the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, and Wakefield Bombers. He had a competitive spirit whether he was playing cards, croquet, basketball, or watching games on TV. In his early years, racing stock cars was a favorite past time.
He had several health issues throughout his life but that did not stop the enthusiasm he had for all sports. He shared what was on his mind whether you wanted to hear it or not.
He loved his cats and kittens and took care of not only his own but any stray that came to his front porch window on Hickory Street.
He was a member of the Madura Congregational Church in Wakefield, and his favorite bible verse was John 3:16.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Bonnie; sister, Donnetta and Bob Elkins, Green, KS; his daughter Angela and Tim Adams, Wakefield, and Luanne and Wendal North, Hobbs, NM; and sons, Rich and Angela Steppe, Riley; and Lile and Deidre Budden, Colorado Springs, CO. He leaves grandchildren Trey, Autumn and Allison Adams, Dillon and Calli Steppe, Alyssa Steppe, Summer and Kile Wright, and Hunter North along with great grandchildren Quinn Steppe, Bonner North, Zelia Dorsey, Kipralee Cooper, and Haylee, Baylee, and Tripp Wright and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were parents and brother John Steppe Jr.
Funeral Services: January 26, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Madura Congregational Church in Wakefield, KS
Minister: Pastor Dirk Westerman
Burial: Highland Cemetery, Wakefield, KS
Visitation: January 25, 2024, from 4-7 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, KS
Memorials: Memorials may be sent to the Wakefield High School Athletic Department, PO Box 40, Wakefield, Kansas 67487.
