Steven Ignacio Mendoza

As a big brother, Jeanne, his sister remembered that Steve took her to her first day of Kindergarten at Cloud Elementary. Jeanne remembers that Steve, who was just a year older took her to the wrong kindergarten class. But being 6 years old, Steve thought everyone should have the same teacher.
From there, Steve took his duty as the “oldest brother” duty to heart. He made sure all his siblings got home safely at lunch when they all went to Cloud. It may have been there that kept him interested in the food industry.
As Steve grew older, he continued to side more with his mother (not fair) and eventually, she relinquished some parental power to him. He took the lead with great pleasure. Of course, his siblings didn’t feel that was fair, but there was a positive side to that power position.
As a brother, Steve sacrificed a lot to help out his mother and siblings financially. He delivered newspapers early in the morning and evening while going to school. He walked a lot and never complained about his feet hurting. He wore out his shoes. During those times, he also had to collect from the newspaper customers and there were times that they would send him away without their payment. But he enlisted his sister and brothers to help him to collect his fee. They were a small but mighty collection team. You know what they say, “there’s more power in numbers”, something like that. Nevertheless, Steve always contributed to the family fund.
After his newspaper throwing gig, he began to work at Griff’s Burgers. He probably was about 16 at that time and knew how to drive. But on the weekends, his sister shared car duties with him. Next thing, he soon became in charge at Griff’s. He would call his siblings at their home after lunch and told them to come to Griffs. He would walk out with a sack full of burgers that truly showed the brotherly love. His manager job paid off!
As time flied by, Steve was drafted into the Army at 20 years of age around 1971. He already had his combat training with all of his siblings and occasionally, other north-end teens during some turf wars.
In the Army, while learning the basics, they obviously found out about his cooking skills. Steve then began to use those in the Army mess halls. Not only cook, but he lead a team (First Cook) of other soldiers to prepare daily meals for his fellow soldiers. During furlough, Steve returned to Wichita, KS to marry the love of his life, Patricia Ornelas. After they married, he and Patty returned to an Army base in Huntsville, Alabama. Their first son, Robert, was born there and then eventually, after service, they all returned to Wichita, KS where Steve enrolled in the Reserves program that provided him approximately 7 years total in the Army Service. After that, Steve and Patty’s family grew as Sonya and Dominic were born.
Steve worked at a few other other food places and then he worked at Meyers Bakery for about 20 some years and yes, he became a leader there too. He gifted many family members with bread and rolls during that time.
Steve retired from the bakery and then worked several other part-time jobs. He finally decided to retire. Robert says his memory of him was that
During this time, he acquired a cough and then it lead to him with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. In late 2023, Steve was at St Francis for a couple of months and returned home in November. He was required to have oxygen everyday after that. Prior and during that time, instead of buying a Tesla, Steve invested in the Amazon company. By this we mean he loved to shop on Amazon! He loved their delivery method because that way, he didn’t have to go outside. He loved that service! One day, he left his Amazon account open by accident and his young grandson, Diego, had seen Steve making purchases and decided that was an easy way to buy some great Pokeman figures. Steve was lucky that the bill did not go over $100 and paid closer attention to making sure he signed off.
His oldest son, Robert remembers his dad was a good example of a hard working family man. Steve was a good provider for his family and they never went without the necessities in life. He always went the extra mile and worked lots overtime to provide his family what they needed. He was always supportive of all the sports that Robert played. He went to many of Robert’s games when he wasn’t working.

Robert says that his Dad had a great sense of humor which must run in the family. Robert had even more fun just hanging out with my dad, especially as Robert has gotten older. According to Robert, Steve always tried to keep me in line and on the right path. He also shared many good times hanging out on his parent’s backyard deck while sharing some “cold ones” while listening to some good oldies. Steve would also have the grill going on with some great food for family and friends. Robert said, “ I miss him more than words can say, rest easy and I hope to see you again.”

His granddaughter, Elissa said that her Grandfather Steve was a down-to-earth man that enjoyed the simple, genuine moments in life. Never missing the chance to cheer on a game of the Kansas City Chiefs or the KU Jayhawks. His wife, children, and grandchildren remember him for the caring, selfless man he was. Never hesitating to give a ride to work, cooking a meal, or giving a ten dollar bill for “ice cream” money, he always looked out for his family.
Ed Martinez, his “third son” would also stop by and help out with some of the Steve “chores”. Dominic also would cook for his parents and made sure Steve had lots of beverages available in his mini fridge. Robert helped get his Dad over to his sister’s house for visits at times. Sonya would check up on her parents frequently and bring the granddaughters, Elissa and Marisol over Steve and Patty.
If we have missed the opportunity to say “thank you”, we do so now because Steve had many stories and laughs that he shared with all of you and it will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

I’ll always remember my dad, Steve, as a hard working man, who was always there for his family. As a child growing up, he used to take my brothers and I to the Wonder Bread thrift store, and he would let us pick out all kinds of treats. We loved to play soccer, and he took us to many Wichita Wings soccer games. I also enjoyed our trips up to Denver to visit my aunt. During the summer time he loved to have cookouts every weekend, knocking back some cold ones, and listening to music. He loved his grandchildren so much, and always spoiled my children with “ice cream money” every time we would see him. I am going to miss my daily talks with you, and all the text I got from you to make sure I got to work or home safe. I will always love you dad, until we meet again.

Love, your daughter, Sonya.

My condolences to the Mendoza family. I didn’t know Steve well, but what I remember about him was his big smile. I will pray for comfort and peace for entire family.

I have so many fond memories of my Grandpa. I remember as a little girl even in my teen years, on Saturdays when he had his cookouts, I would go to the back deck where he & all friends/family were & I would make a beer run to the mini fridge before they finished the can they were on. They would even give me a dollar or two sometimes, ha! He was such a funny, loving person. I always enjoyed the times we just chatted as he was grilling or prepping food for dinner. He helped me commute to school so I could make it to my 8am classes at WATC. He drove from the north side, to the west side, towards southeast, & back multiple times a week for me. I would try to offer him gas money & all he asked for in return was a donut from QuikTrip as we stopped there often. I was more than happy to do so. He was a great man & he is forever in my heart. I love you Grandpa.

Love you! You will be missed.