Steve Widak

Steve was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1947 to Mary Ann and Joseph Widak. He grew up with 2 brothers and was quite ornery if all the stories he told were to be believed. After graduating high school Steve went into the Air Force where he was eventually stationed in Wichita. Steve met Mary while in Wichita, they fell in love during their dates where Steve would eat a full late night dinner and Mary would have coffee. They were married 56 years.

Steve loved his wife, his 3 daughters, and all his grandchildren, but he loved his “doggies” more than any of them (I’m kidding, maybe). He worked at KG&E for 34 years. He worked his way from meter repairman to Supervisor of the Metering Department. He drove for Metro Courier for 15 years after he retired, because he couldn’t retire and just relax.

Steve was an usher at St. Vincent de Paul for 20 years and he volunteered at The Lord’s Diner for 10 years with his family. He loved hanging out with all the family during these times and after when we went to dinner as a group.

Steve was known to be quite the handy guy. If his sons-in-law had a project, he was usually called upon to help out. His grandkids knew that grandpa could fix anything.

Steve was preceded in death by Cole VanEpps, who will be thrilled to show his grandpa around.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Karen VanEpps (Jason), Kate Ogden (Gary), and Dede Kauffman (Kurt); and his grandkids, Caitlin VanEpps, Cydney VanEpps, Austin Ogden, Brady Ogden, Emma Ogden, Corey Robison (Blake), Chase Kauffman, Paige Kauffman, and Tyler Kauffman; and great granddaughter, Evyn Robison. He is deeply missed by all.

We will miss how knowledgeable he was while he always thought he was “a dummy.” We will miss his sense of humor and willingness to share. We will miss his hugs and hearing him call us “kiddo.”

Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube page.

A memorial has been established with Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.