Joseph P. Steven
November 8, 2010
Steven, Joseph Peter, 87, passed away November 8, 2010. He is survived by Esther, his wife of 64 years, who says she cannot remember when Joe was not in her life. Joe and Esther grew up together in Sioux City, Iowa. Eventually both families ended up in Wichita, and Joe went off to World War II for three years. They were married on June 16, 1946 at St. Marys Cathedral and then their new chapter began. Esther and Joe had 8 boys and 3 girls. Joes children were the focus and joy of his life whether at work or play. Joe and his family lived the motto “Work hard! Play hard!” Joes Seat Cover and Car Wash would support his family and teach his children the ethics of business and hard work. A Catholic family man, a business man, but so much more. Many people knew Joe for his generosity to the community which showed itself in many ways. Later in life, Joe and Esther would revel in the expanding lives of their 11 children, 36 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 4 more that are on the way. Joys of his life were dancing with Esther, camping and boating with his children, hunting with his boys, being spoiled by his girls and being the most fun “Gidu” (grandfather) to his grandchildren. Joe was building a dynasty.a legacy that will endure. In his final moments, with his beloved Esther and all his children around him, he took his last breath and a tear was in his eye.that pretty much said it all. Good-bye “Papa Joe”! We love you and remember to give Tom a hug for us. Joes children: Tom (deceased) (Jeanne), Rod (Becky), Craig (Linda), Joe (Sandy), Brad (Diana), Dale (Rebecca), Glenn, Sissy (Joe Koury), Diane (David Dodd), Rene (Mike Brand) and Duane. Rosary, 7 p.m., Thursday, November 11; Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Friday, November 12, both at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Francis Catholic Church, 861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212 and Wichita Childrens Home, 810 N. Holyoke, Wichita, KS 67208. Downing Lahey West.
Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 11, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
WORKING WITH JOE OPERATING HIS CAR WASH NUMEROUS MEMORIES OF OUR DISCUSSIONS. ONE DAY TOM TOOK ME TO HIS HOUSE HOT APPLE PIE HIS WIFE JUST TOOK OUT OF THE OVEN
YOUR DAD WAS A GREAT GUY. I LOVED HIM ALWAYS SEEING HIM AT JOES WITH ESTHER, SMILING AND ALWAYS VERY BUSY. THEY WERE ALWAYS TOGETHER. WHAT A GREAT DAD AND MOM YOU HAVE. GIVE YOUR MOM LOTS OF HUGS SHE NEEDS YOU
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all tonight. I know how hard it is to loose a parent and I will pray for your Dad. My father and Mother always had nothing but the nicest comments about him.
We are very saddened by your loss. May God comfort you in this time of special need. We met Joe in 1988 when we came by the house to buy an Old English Sheepdog puppy from him. We named our new friend ‘Thatch,’ and he became a beloved companion until we lost him in 2001. Precious Thatch was the model for a character in 5 of my novels. We were always grateful for the part Joe played in bringing so much joy into our lives.
Our prayers are with you. He will be missed. As we drive by lights at christmas with our family we will share our memories of his years of being apart of wichita’s holiday traditions.
To Ester, Rod, Craig, Joey, Brad, Dale, Glenn, Delores (Sissy), Diane, Darlene (Rene), Duane….. Our families’ thoughts and prayers are with you all. ‘Papa Joe’ was a great man of family and faith. He was truly a man of God. He will be missed. The Parkers….. Ramona, Sharon, Paul, Dean, and Jane
I cannot think of any person who has demonstrated family values and traditions more than Joe. His family and their accomplishments are his legacy to our society…It’s a sad time.
Our Deepest Condolences.