Steve Nitzsche

1953 — 2025

Steve Nitzsche, 71, of Harris County, Texas, departed his earthly life on April 4, 2025. He was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1953 to James and Gloria Nitzsche. He married his wife, Cindy, in 1983 and together they created a family life that they both cherished. Steve loved his daughter, Tracy Jean, and his grandson, Anthony, dearly. He was active with Tracy’s soccer team when she was a child, and never missed a practice or game when Anthony started playing sports; first t-ball and then little league baseball. Steve shared his love of the Houston Astros with Anthony and enjoyed taking him to their games, just as he had done with Tracy Jean.

Steve belonged to Pipe Fitters Local Union 211 for a number of years and specialized in HVAC service and installation before joining Pasadena ISD as a Refrigeration Technician in 1993. Even after 32 years at PISD, Steve had not yet retired; he just loved to fix things and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the craft with other technicians. Steve forged numerous friendships with coworkers and staff whom he truly viewed as family.

Steve had a passion for hot rods, particularly his 1919 Ford T-Bucket that he often drove in local parades and entered into car shows, resulting in numerous trophies, plaques and awards. Steve was a backyard gardener who loved to grow tomatoes, peppers and squash, often sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors.

In 2012, Steve and Cindy founded Tracy’s Toys as a way to honor their daughter who was killed in December 2009 by a drunk driver. Each yearly project was extremely successful until they retired their efforts in December 2019. Tracy’s son helped deliver the final donations in December 2019, making it a very special finale for a very special cause.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, James; his mother, Gloria; his daughter, Tracy Jean; and his brother, Don. Steve’s Christian faith promised him a heavenly reunion like no other.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cindy; his grandson, Anthony; his father-in-law, A.B.; his honorary mother-in-law, Jule’; his aunt, Mary-Lou; his sister-in-law, Jenni; his brother-in-laws Barry (Kristin), Mark (Janet), Charles (Roxy), Kyle (Michelle), and James (Gaby); and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve always kept a place in his heart for Bobby.

In Lieu of flowers the family has suggested plants to acknowledge his love for gardening.

A visitation for Steve will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Pasadena Funeral Home, 2203 Pasadena Blvd, Pasadena, Texas 77502. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 2203 Pasadena Blvd, Pasadena, Texas 77502. A family and friend reception will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM, 2203 Pasadena Blvd, Pasadena, Texas 77502.