Joseph Peter Steven, Jr.

Steven Jr., DDS, Joseph Peter, passed away May 22, 2015, with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Wichita on October 11, 1950, Joe was the fourth child of Esther and Joseph Steven, Sr. He graduated from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School before attending Kansas State University. Joe received his professional training from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha. Upon moving back to Wichita in 1978, he founded his own dental practice on North Seneca, now called Riverside Dental. He owned and operated his practice for 37 years, welcoming patients with a “painless dentistry practiced here” mantra along with a devoted staff, many who worked with Joe for multiple decades. In 2007, Joe was joined by his daughter Jasmin, who became the first dentist he added to his practice. His innovations benefited colleagues across the country through KISCO, a dental products marketing company that Joe founded after several years in the profession. As part of KISCO, Joe created a multi-volume newsletter that has become a resource for thousands of dental professionals. In addition to being a member of the American and Kansas dental associations, Joe was also a nationally recognized lecturer whose purpose was to share best practices and efficiencies in the profession, helping to ensure the success of others in the field. Joe was preceded in death by his father and older brother Thomas. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Sandra; their daughters Jasmin Steven Rupp (John) and Shae Steven; and granddaughters, Harper Lynn Rupp and Lola Jo Rupp. He is also survived by his mother, Esther; brothers Rodney, Craig, Bradley, Dale, Glenn, and Duane; his sisters Sissy Koury, Diane Clark, and Rene Brand; and each of their respective families. A Rosary Service will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 PM and a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 27 at 10 AM, both at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (430 North Broadway at Central, Wichita, KS 67202). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, KS 67202, hynesmemorial.org/donate).