We are extremely saddened and shocked after just hearing about Steve's passing. Steve was a real nice guy and great neighbor! We had lots of fun times and we will always cherish the memories. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Steven's family, especially his adored sons Steven & Andy.

Steven was truly one of the good guys, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Back when he had his landscaping business, I found myself unemployed and  Steven gave me work. I don't know if he could really afford to pay me, and I was unskilled, though I did my best. I needed a helping hand and he gave it to me. He was a hard worker and took pride in delivering good service to his customers.I enjoyed my time working with him and through conversation learned that what kept him going was his family, Stephen, Andrew and Mary, he loved them and wanted to be a good provider. I hope Stephan and Andrew as they grow up will know that a man can be kind, strong and a sweet person, because that is what their dad was.

It was a shock to hear of Steve's passing.  He will be deeply missed by all, especially his boys.  He will look down on them and realize what wonderful, respectful young men they are. Our times at the cabin will never be forgotten.  Bonfires, bikes, snow and a few stuck cars!  You will be deeply missed Steve.

Learning of Steve passing was heart wrenching.  Steve's life is honest, loving and very proud.  When I would visit Steve and his family he never talked about himself, it was always about his boys.  Telling me how Andy would make him laugh with just his smile and how Steven was very smart and he didn't want to admit it more often than most but his son Steven was correct on pretty much on everything he said regarding movies, cartoons, cars anything, Andy too….

It was great to see Steve interact with his boys, he never made them feel like little babies or even little kids when they were young, he treated them like real people, his boys had a purpose to his life and he enjoyed and treasured them every day.  He was a proud father.

I say Steve's life is honest, loving and very proud because it still is.  Steve was an honest man, what you see is what you get.  If you didn't like what you heard from him tuff.. But you know what - what Steve said was true never without hate or anger toward anyone he was reasonable.

What I will miss most about Steve is his cooking on the grill, THAT MAN CAN GRILL.  He loved to cook and make people feel comfortable.   

Have a glass a wine, watch him grill and have him talk about what his boys did that day……......    Priceless

It is with great sadness that today I learned of Steve's passing.  I don't think anyone was ever able to be sad or down when they were around Steve. Steve could make you laugh at the drop of a hat with as little as a facial expression.  

With so many memories to choose from our friendship, as I am sure all would agree, there isn't one specific memory, but many, that come to mind when remembering Steve--whether it be camping, riding, his wedding, seeing him with his children, my wedding, or just hanging out.  These are memories I hold dear when I think of good times in my life and I am grateful that Steve is a part of them.

My heart's sincerest condolences go out to his family, especially his children, Steven and Andrew, during such a difficult time.

I was told of Steve's passing tonight at dinner and I am beside myself with sadness.  Steve was always such a kind person to me growing up and I consider myself lucky to have had a friend like him.

My heart goes out to his family.  He really was a very special person.  You are in my prayers.

Where does one begin to express the feeling of loss after knowing someone for over 40 years. A story... a memory... a joke...there were lots.

Steve you will be missed! Many a tear will be shed for your loss.
Dave Mitnick

I can even begin to express how so very sorry I am that this has happened and Steve's family are going through this.  It's so sad and he was so young.  I have such fond memories of Steve, and I always had a soft spot for him. Such a kind person and would do anything for you.  My thoughts are with his family and Mary and the boys.   Mary please stay strong for your boys!! 
Sincerely,
Tina Koch and Family

Growing up across the street Steven and I spent many of our childhood years doing what kids did back then.   Remember these were the days before X-Box and countless other indoor activities.  It's hard to imagine but yes there was a glorious time when children actually played outside, and we did exactly that.  At least until it got dark or we heard our mothers screaming our names.

Behind the elementary school at the end of the street was some woods and a great rock path leading down a steep hill.  Besides tramping through the woods with other neighboring kids we loved the bike path and Steve had undoubtedly earned the respect of the 12 and under crowd for his daredevil activities.  

See the “trick” was to start at the top of the hill and race down as fast as humanly possible.  At the bottom of the hill was a ramp and if you were successful you hard be “airborne” at least a little bit.  On his black banana seat bike with “shocks” (this was really high technology for the time) Steve was always successful, flying higher than us all. 

I remember Steve's quest to go even faster involved convincing me to be a passenger.  He came up with what was called “double power” and I would put my feet on the pedals squarely on top of his.  With some practice we could pedal even faster and towards the bottom of the hill I would hold onto him for dear life as we flew albeit just feet, into the air.  Steve always landed us safety and then tried to come up with ways to go faster yet again.

I will always remember all the fun times we shared and will truly miss the neighborhood “Daredevil”.   

With deepest sympathies to the entire Schwake family I offer my sincere condolences.

David Litmman and family

My heart goes out to Steve's family and friends. We were great friends through high school and into young adulthood, and I have thought of him often through the years.  I will always have such wonderful memories and am shocked and saddened by his passing.  Steve, you will be missed!

My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Linda and her entire family. My eyes are full of tears as I type this. RIP Steven - you will be missed.

My prayers and thoughts are with your whole family, I am so sorry to hear I went to school with him and he was a very nice person.
Darlene Gosse Pressler

Steven surely will be missed. Always upbeat through it all...fun to be around....and very kind hearted. Rest in peace Steven.

Tears well up in my eyes as I type these words. Steve was my childhood friend We shared the fun / innocent times of youth along with a group of neighborhood kids. Our friendship continued into adulthood. Steve was a good person with good intentions. To know him was to love him.

My prayers and thoughts are with your whole family.  It was devastating new to the Arbuckle family.  We grew up with Steve in the neighbor hood gang. He was a part of the Arbuckle family and was always welcome at our home.  We had some great fun back in the 80's.  The Arbuckle family has you all in our prayers.  May God Bless you all and welcome Steve into heaven.  
Sincerely,
Pam Arbuckle Hope

you will be deeply missed we all loved you so much love beth gary lauren rachel and gary paul

Steven Andrew and I are devastated by the news of Steven's passing. Steve's love for his children was unconditional and my friendship with Steven will be deeply missed.  I cannot express in words how our lives will be changed forever.

OBITUARY

Steven F. Schwake

14 December, 1966 – 13 December, 2013

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

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