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Stephen J. Chudzik
Stephen J. Chudzik
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Stephen Chudzik Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Kris Daws
April 4, 2008
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to Steve's family and friends. I just heard about the accident. I worked with Steve in the early years of BSI and SurModics. Steve was a true friend. He always went out of his way to include everyone in any event and make everyone feel special. He had an incredible mind, and was extremely witty. Everyone in the "Green Lab" always enjoyed teasing him.
I remember an incident where Steve was fussing because some girls had driven by him when he was in his sports car and rated him as an "8". He said that they were definitely mistaken. He said he needed to buy a jeep and take the doors off, because if they'd had the chance to glimpse the entire package he definitely would have gotten a "10." I remember everyone in the Green Lab teased him mercilessly about his comments. However, in retrospect, I think Steve was totally correct. If you looked at the entire package (body, mind, and soul), Steve was definitely a "10."
You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Diane Wallner
November 27, 2007
To the Chudzik family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time of Steve's loss and today, his birthday. May the warmth of his love and memories remain with you always and bring you comfort.
Ryan Laughy
November 25, 2007
Pamela and family,
We just heard of Steve's death, and were so saddened by the news. It has been many, many years since he stayed with my family here in California, but I remember Steve's light-heartedness and quick sense of humor. We spent a lot of time cruising around in my convertible during his stay, and I seem to recall a trip or two to the beach to go sailing. Steve was a natural-born California boy. I'm sorry we lost touch over the years. Steve's aunt, Ruth, sends her best, too. God bless you all.
Justin Griott
November 19, 2007
Pamela, Alex, Tess and to all of the family.
Please know that you are all in the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Chudzik family on the West Coast. I have tried to forward this sad news, as best I can, to all in the family. Please accept my condolences on behalf of myself, my mother (Lucille), my brothers (Michael and Kalman) and all of our extended families.
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Sarah Garb
November 13, 2007
Pam: It was so nice to run into you and Sara yesterday at the Y, but I was so sad to hear the reason you were in town. I haven't stopped thinking about you since then. While I obviously never met Steve, I'm sure he was an amazing person as he had the good sense to marry you. You are in my thoughts.
Sarah
Tahmina Naqvi
November 8, 2007
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. It's very shocking and sad. Steve was a brilliant scientist and an inspiration to others. May God rest his soul in peace and give you the courage to bear this terrible loss.
Tahmina
Adonis Neblett
November 1, 2007
My condolence and regret at hearing of Steve's passing. I know Steve through working with him as a patent attorney on some of his various inventions. He was patient with me when discussing technical matters about which he as an expert knew more than I ever would. May the Good Lord embrace him in His arms and, over time, may the sharing of his memory warm your hearts.
Terry Ruud
November 1, 2007
To the many who were part of Steve's extended families (immediate, work, trivia, community): Steve was a wondrous intellect, human being, and friend. I knew him through (and as a sporadic part of) the trivia gang, and even though I wasn't one of the friends from work (which comprised most of the group), Steve went out of his way to make me feel a part of that gang. When it came to trivia, he knew the vast majority of the answers, and those that he didn't know he would argue until someone proved him wrong, or until we'd all exited the Cattle Company and were getting into our respective cars. It truly was difficult not to be in awe at how smart, vast, and quick he was. He had a complete, astounding knowledge of diverse subject matters. I'd read Cormac McCarthy, but when Steve recommended Suttree as his best novel, I rushed right out and bought it. He loaned me a copy of A House for Mr. Biswas; I devoured it. I'd seen a lot of indy and music-related movies, but when Steve started singing the songs from Altman's "Nashville" I not only rented the movie, I also serendipitously found a demo copy of the soundtrack CD (at a time when the CD wasn't even available). I sought out Steve's recommendations--not only because I respected his intellect and taste, but because I wanted to inform myself on subjects that agitated him, so when they came up again I could help perpetuate that agitation and those debates; those were some of the most entertaining, engaging, and interesting conversations I have ever experienced. We'd argue the merits and demerits of Bruce Springsteen (Steve's favorite musical "genius")and Tom Waits
(not to mention scores of other subjects) until the metaphorical cows came home. When I heard about Steve's accident, I rushed to get a copy of Springsteen's "Magic"--solely based on imagining Steve's recommendation--and have been holding private memorial services daily in my car, on my way to work. "This is radio nowhere, is there anybody alive out there?" throbs across the autumnal, bleak landscape, and I honestly can't temper the rash desire to discredit the Boss, to get into it with Steve about how Springsteen so blatantly ripped off something so commercially brainless as "867-5309," and then I miss him-- terribly. Oddly enough, Terry Ruud
Dan Scheller
November 1, 2007
I worked with Steve for four years during the developmental stage of BSI. Those years with him and that group were terrific and provide lots of fond memories. His influence forever altered my approach to work and co-worker relationships. He put people first. You can't beat that. He was brilliant, confident, and cool. I'll smile whenever I think of him; you should, too.
Valerie Holum
November 1, 2007
Betty, I can't even express how sorry I am to have read about your son Steve. Please accept my sincere condolences. Wendy mentioned how much fun he was to work with when he worked here at Sholom for that short time. Yes, we are both still here. This is the 2nd sadness in the last week. Mrs, LaVanier just died last week. Well, I'm still here if you care to contact me. With love and sympathy, Valerie Holum
T. J. & Aileen Larson
November 1, 2007
I wish I'd had the chance to get to know Steve better but I do know that I admired him greatly. He was the kind of guy who had an inspirational presence. He was very special.
We send or deepest sympathies for your loss.
"Hold on, hold on,
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Ain’t been to heaven but I been told,
Street’s up there are paved with gold…"
Chris Hollar
October 31, 2007
Pam,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband Steve. Know that I hold you in my heart and in my prayers. I wish you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Mark Gogins
October 31, 2007
Pam,
I'm so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I only really knew Steve through work, but it was very clear he was bright, creative, open, and had great integrity. Please accept my sympathies on your loss.
Mark
John and Mary Droske
October 31, 2007
We are so very sorry, Pam. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn Kruger
October 31, 2007
Betty,
May I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your wonderful son.
My sister Shirley called me this morning after reading the obits. Know we haven't been in touch recently, but please get back to me when you're feeling up to it!
Your old room mate, Marilyn
Sheryl Gregg Hohle
October 31, 2007
I was so sorry to hear the news of Steve's passing. We worked together at SurModics for nearly 10 years, and Steve was a joy to be around. A great scientist, a wonderful father, an intellectually stimulating friend, and a truly good soul. My heart goes out to his family.
Charlotte and Don SHOWALTER
October 31, 2007
Dear Pam,
We are thinking of you and your family. You are in our prayers. Please know that you can call on us if there is something we can do for you.
Love,
Marla McPherson
October 31, 2007
Steve. Always fun to be around, always had something interesting to say. Tricia's comment made me realize just how much Steve was like his dad, Jim. That sounds exactly like something he (Jim) would have said.
Thanks, Steve, for never telling on Liz and I when we snuck out of the house to walk after your mom went to work and your dad went to bed. Thanks for the money for the slurpies at 7-11, too.
I remember when we were pre-teens and you were a young teenager. You actually cared what Liz and I thought about your glasses and let our opinions help you decide which glasses to buy.
Thanks for not laughing at me when I came over with a new haircut at about the age of 9, bawling when I saw you because I realized your hair was now longer than mine... I ran home crying that "Steve Chudzik's hair is longer than mine!" Betty, your mom, heard me and I heard her yell to you: "Steve! Go get a haircut!" But you didn't get mad.
Thanks for not knocking my teeth out when we girls got to play Hockey with you on the ice rink. (there weren't enough boys, so we were "allowed" (almost begged) to play)
Liz and I thought it was cool to see you at the State Fair pushing Pronto pups. I remember when you got your driver's license and you driving your dad's station wagon on camping trips. I wished I was old enough to do something fun like that.
I remember when you and Kris 1st met. We never saw you like that(!) When you announced you and Kris were having a child you told your family that: "Kris is giving me the greatest gift she could ever give me"
I last saw you a couple years ago when we sold your mom's home. After the closing, I said: "Well, you know where we have to go now?" You said: "To go get a drink?" I said, "Nooo, to see your dad!" (Steve's dad is buried near where we were) We then went to your dad's grave and talked to him and you cried. Steve, you grew up to be a lot like your dad and that is a lot to be said.
Liz, Amy, Tim, Betty, Kris,Alex, Tess & Pam: May your many happy memories of Steve comfort you now and always. There will never be another Steve.
Roger Miller & Nancy Jean
October 31, 2007
Pam-
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. His contribution to the scientific and business world was great, but his kind spirit was his real gift. My personal interaction was limited, but his impact was immeasurable. May you find the comfort of family and friends and know that you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Ryan McArdle
October 31, 2007
Steve has been one of my "Tuesday Trivia" friends for the last six years. He always dominated the literature and science categories. He was smart and funny, and we loved to play charades, Golden Tee, and just make up our own little movie games with our other friends from trivia. I will miss his great laugh.
Greg, Lisa & Ryan Roscoe
October 31, 2007
Pam,
Words cannot express the great sadness we feel for your loss. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you through your grief. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Jeff Kuznia
October 31, 2007
Steve and I were very close childhood friends from Grade school through High School. I remember playing pinochle and 3-day Canasta tournaments on his front porch at his house on Selby Ave.; working together with the Pronto Pup franchise at the State Fair, and sharing our philosophies and aspirations as we left for college, careers and different paths. Steve created a lot in his 50 years of life and the memories and stories of his life will keep him alive in our hearts for the rest of ours. I will say Kaddish for my friend.
Mark Josephson
October 31, 2007
I had the privilege of knowing Steve at SurModics. Particularly in the early years, I worked with him on various project teams. The intellect, wit, and drive were very apparent. An exceptional scientist indeed. A "Renaissance Man".
My deepest sympathies to his children, wife, entire family and colleagues.
William Johnson, DDS
October 31, 2007
Lynn, Your family is in our thoughts and prays.
October 30, 2007
Pam,
I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. I know how happy you two were together. Please accept my sympathy for the terrible loss to you and your family. Stay strong, stay bright.
E.M.
"We look at the night sky in the quiet of darkness, and they are never far. Those we have loved and cherished, those who have changed our lives in some small or profound way are closer than we know, because it is their light that shines on our world. It is the brilliance of their souls that makes our night sky glow. May peace shine down upon you and bring you comfort."
Cajacob's
October 30, 2007
Time had slipped away, because we think of time as endless.
But it isn't and years have passed since we last shared a good laugh, talked or felt sorrow together.
We will all remember you for your honest replies, calm nature and the love and pride that filled your heart for your family.
Though time still passes and we tend to turn away from that fact, you will always be a part of all of us.
Rest easy Steve.
Cajacob
October 30, 2007
Steve,
Time had slipped away, because we think that it is endless.
And years have passed since we last shared a laugh, a good talk or even sorrow.
We will remember you always for your honest replies, calm nature and the love that filled your heart for your family.
Rest easy Steve.
Tricia Brkovich
October 30, 2007
Steve was a very down to earth friendly guy. He once told me that he switched the kind of coffee he drank because one package was easier to open. He always made me laugh. He will be missed.
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