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Robert Szoke Obituary
Robert Steven Szoke, Jr. "Steve", age 32, passed away on May 27, 2008. Steve was a graduate of Thornton Fractional North of Calumet City, IL Class of 1993 and a graduate of Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL Class of 1998. He formerly served on staff with Cross Point Christian Church in Sugar Grove, IL. Steve was a former Youth Minister of Town & Country Christian Church in Crown Point, IN, Maple Lawn Christian Church in Joliet, IL and Christian Church of LaHarpe, IL. He was Founding Pastor and Minister of Impact Christian Church of Merrillville, IN and Trustee and High School Week Dean of Lake Region Christian Assembly (Camp LRCA). Steve was the Founder, Professional Wrestler and Promoter of FirePro Wrestling of Merrillville, IN and was a fixture of the Pro-Wrestling scene all throughout Indiana and Illinois wrestling for many different federations. He was an avid and creative artist and had a deep and passionate love for his Impact Christian Church family and for developing a safe place for people to come and learn about God. Impact plays host to many different functions including Pro-Wrestling shows, Tae Kwon Do, and Sunday Night Ignite, a Christian teen worship service. Steve had a love for God and for people and loved bringing the two together. Steve is survived by his wife, Candy (nee Mullens) Szoke of Crown Point; daughter, Jada Szoke age 7; his parents: Robert and Lorraine Szoke of Crown Point; sister, Sarah (Brian) Lowery of South Elgin, IL; brother in-law, Cortney (Nicole) Mullens of Flora, IL; niece, Josie Mullens age 5; mother-in-law, Christina Mullens of Flora, IL; grandmothers: Katherine Brooker of Elmhurst, IL and Merle Szoke of Riverton, IL; and aunt, Linda Brooker of Elmhurst, IL. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN with Rev. Lance Hurley officiating. Interment at Historic Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. Friends may meet with the family at Burns Funeral Home on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family, Impact Christian Church or Camp LRCA. www.burnsfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Szoke
sean young
May 23, 2023
Bro, you are still missed & NEVER can be forgotten!!!
sean young
June 10, 2020
I miss you bro!
Tim Little
August 15, 2008
I miss you Steve....
I will never know the full impact
that you had on my life till we meet again in heaven...
Thank you friend
Amber Abrego
August 13, 2008
Hey steve wow you have made the biggest impact in my life. i follow god now more than ever because of you and his teaching through you. You were not only my minister and my friend but also my brother. I miss you so much and I know that you are in the best place a person could be. you showed me a way of life that i hope to live for the rest of my days. your my hero through god and everything else. thank you so much for everything that you have done. you will always be a part of my family. I love you bro....Rest in peace.
Will Strong
June 22, 2008
Candy, although I never met you or your daughter, I did go to school with Steve. I knew Steve since 1989 when were freshman at TFN. We also attended youth group together. After graduation we lost contact and I was able to contact him last year. I never knew at the time that I was speaking to him that he was fighting cancer. He was so up beat about the church and being a pro-wrestler. The good thing about being a believer is that we have hope of being in the presense of Christ our Savior. I will pray that the Lord will continue to comfort you and your family during this time.
Chaplain Will Strong Jr.
US Army
Chris Krutsinger (Ferguson)
June 5, 2008
Candy,
I just heard what happened. I was hoping to get in touch with your mom so I could contact you, but Larry L. sent me this link. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he is at with Jesus now, and I pray that God will surround you and your daughter with love and peace during this horrible time of sorrow.
Jason Spencer
June 4, 2008
Candy, I have sat here and thought about what my wife and kids mean to me, and I prayed long and hard for your comfort in this trying time. I wish I could have been there to tell you in person and to pay my respects, but I am deployed... I am sorry for your loss, truly the world is a darker place without his light.
Philip Erzinger
June 3, 2008
Candy I'm sorry for your loss. I did not know Steve was sick. But kowning Steve the why I did I know he's looking down on us and Jesus is showing him a new move or too. Keep the faith and call if you need anything. In Christ Phil
June 3, 2008
Candy, My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow, you and your family are in my prayers.
Karen Lewis OSO
Sue Hertzfeldt
June 2, 2008
..something I've kept in my heart: "When I die, I'll be more alive than I've ever been-because I'll be in the presence of God!" How true with Steve.
Continued love and prayer support,
Miss Sue/Scott and Julie Coons/Patti Richardson
(suncrest children's ministry team)
All those who knew Steve.
June 2, 2008
My entire family owes a great debt to Steve, For sharing Jesus with us all.
I know he is there in that place prepared that Jesus spoke of and waits for the day we will all rejoin him in fellowship. Godspeed Steve.
Cindy (Smith cousin) Zimmerman
June 1, 2008
Oh, Family! My heart is with you all. I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Somehow, we only found out Sat. night, 5/31. I am with you in Spirit. I know you know that the love is forever.
Ryan Rogers
June 1, 2008
My condolenses go out to the family of Mr. Szoke. I only known of him as "Die Hard" Steve Szoke from his FIREPRO wrestling promotion I attended a few times with some of my friends. Another wrestler, Carl Morris (whom I also work with), informed me about the sad news and kept me abreast of what happened. My heart goes out to the family again and I know Mr. Szoke is in a better place
Valorie (Thomas) Lanning
May 31, 2008
Safely Home
by Unknown
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth--
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!
***************************
One only needs to take a look at the all of the people, both young and old, who this young man's life had such an impact on to know that he will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to all of Steve's family. He was truly an awesome guy!
chrissy book-Suncrest Church
May 31, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sheila Van Gorp
May 31, 2008
Steve was an amazing young man and an inspiration to all, as a bright and shining light for the Lord.
We will not see his like again!
Brandii (Engelmeier) Newby
May 31, 2008
Candy,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. May God be with you and yours.
Sue Hampsten
May 31, 2008
Candy, Jada, And Szoke Family, Steve was a wrestler among men but more importantly he was a wrestler for God. Steve strived to please the Lord in all he did. We will all miss him, but we know he is with the Lord. Steve no longer faces any earthly pain. We are still praying that the whole family has peace and comfort. We love you all.
Matt Bondo
May 31, 2008
He will be missed by alot of true friends.
Kelly Kaylor
May 30, 2008
I wish i could have gotten to know him better as a freind, but the short time i got to know him as a pastor, he was amazing, the kind of person you could listen to for hours. He will be so missed by everyone..Hugs, prayers and love to the whole Szoke Family!!
Tracy Marshall
May 30, 2008
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.
Sheryl Buche
May 30, 2008
I was priviledged to meet Steve when he brought Fire-Pro to Lowell. He was so enthusiastic and easy to work with. His love of Christ and children was evident. My boys were so excited to have their picture taken with him and his championship belt. Candy, thank you for sharing him with us! Jada, your daddy was an amazing man of God!
Father God, I pray that you will take the Szokes into your arms and comfort them. Give the strength and peace and hope they need to endure. Shower them with your love at this difficult time. Let them draw on the love and strength of those around them. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
stanley large
May 30, 2008
Steve, I really enjoyed watching you wrestle in Indianapolis and had lots of fun giving you a hard time for fun as you wrestled as Botch and it was an honor to have met you the last time you wrestled in Indianapolis. May God be with your family
Glenn Ziegler
May 30, 2008
We'll miss him 'til we meet again in heaven...Candy, let us know if we can do anything for you.
Jaumece Ghant
May 30, 2008
May God be your light unto your path. I didn't know you husband or your family but as i was sitting here reading his accomplishments and his work for our Savior i just wanted to say that your husband is an inspiration to us all that we must continue to do the work of the Lord. May God bless you and keep you is my prayer!!!
Jerome Washington
May 30, 2008
The life of Steve will never be forgotten due to the legacy in which he has left. May god send out his comforting agnel to watch over Candy, Jada and his entire family and close friends. They world has lost an earthly angel but yet heaven has embraced one of its own.
Keith Thomas
May 30, 2008
Steve had a way of reaching out to the kids and adults that you don't see oftern. My time with Steve at the camp was a blessing and Steve was always concerned with how the message was passed to the children. Even when he was sick, he was full of energy and looking ahead at the next challenge. We will miss him greatly.
Wade and Carrington Beauchamp
May 30, 2008
I never got the opportunity to meet Steve but he left a legacy to his family and friends that is greatly talked about. We are so sorry for your loss. God bless.
The Beauchamps
Holly Smith
May 30, 2008
Life is so precious and so very fleeting. No of us is promised tomorrow let alone the next moment of our life.
If Steve had done anything with his life I blieve that he allowed the love he had for the Master (God) to shince through everything that he did. He loved people and people loved him. He was a man who devoted his life to reaching people and not just any people, people who needed to be loved and feel like they mattered. If you could take one thing and remember it always about Steve it would be this: Joshua 22:5:
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
Choose to serve God with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit. Choose to impact the lives of those around you and look for ways to give and show them the love of God.
We serve a great God, and AWESOME and Holy God.
Although Steve's time here on earth was short...he did so much. Make each day count, try to live without regret or the would've, should've, could've. Step out of the boat, the comfort zone and live a life that will first exalt the NAME OF JESUS and that will impact someone's life.
2Peter 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
Family and close friends of Steve...you are in my prayers, my the Great Comforter comfort you during this time of lose and suffering and may you find peace in knowing that Steve has seen the King face to face by now, walking on streets of gold.
Angela ARHC
May 30, 2008
Candy- we extend our deepest condolences and wish you peace. God Bless You and your family.
Amy Howland
May 30, 2008
So sorry for your loss Candy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, your daughter, and your families. Steve touched many lives, may his spirit live on in your hearts and memories...
Tony Balducci
May 30, 2008
Candy, Jada, Bob, Lorraine, & Sarah:
Your Husband, Daddy, Son and Brother was a true man of God. He showed all of us how to reach out to the common man and share the good news of Jesus. He achieved more than some do in their entire lifetime for the Lord. He is my HERO and will never forget this young man who's faith burned like an inferno and touched so many. God's speed STEVE! "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
"When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we will shout the victory!!!"
My prayers are with you all.
With a servants heart,
Chip Rutland
May 30, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Szoke family. Steve was an inspiration for all who knew him and a true Steward of God's plan. As he now rest in God's hands, I pray that his family may feel a since of peace from our Heavenly Father.
Steve Cain
May 30, 2008
Not only was Steve a friend, he was a Brother in Christ. As much as I will miss working with him in the ring, I know that he is enjoying being in the Presence of One with whom there is no struggle, pain or sickness. To Candy and Jada, thank you for sharing him with all of us, we will never forget our friend.
The Dean
Tracy Smith
May 29, 2008
He had a quality and a gift of reaching people that was essential for a shepard. He didn't alienate people. He could associate with people that had no relationship with God and show God's love and kindness to them. He was an example of God's love. Because of Steve, many souls found Jesus. God bless his wife and daughter as well as his family and many friends, and God bless his church congregation. He will be missed by many. They are in our prayers.
Patrick Creed
May 29, 2008
We hear at Rumble Radio would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Szoke Family. Steve was a wonderful asset of the Chicago wrestling scene and a great man. He was a warrior in the ring and out. May he rest in peace.
John Harris
May 29, 2008
Just two nights ago I was on the floor wrestling with my 3 sons. This all started some 2 years back when Steve and Fire-Pro came to our Back to School Bash. It was after that event that my sons asked if we could begin to wrestle together. Now after many bruises and bloody noses, we will continue to honor a sport and a man that we so dearly loved.
I am thankful for the time I had with you and the time I now spend with my sons because of your influence! May we all see God's faithfullness through our earthly loss. My love to all his family and friends.
Mike and Dawn Maglish
May 29, 2008
To Candy, Sarah & Brian, and the rest of the family. Our prayers are with you at this time. May the peace that passes all understanding surround you as the Lord God ministers to you. May you be comforted by Steve's faith and the love he had for Jesus. We look forward to seeing him again in Heaven! We love you guys and will always remember "The Pope" and his unique way of serving Jesus and others. Surely many will follow him to the streets paved with gold!
Yvonne Bisbee
May 29, 2008
Steve has left his mark on this world. He will never be forgotten. He is in Heaven reaping the rewards and blessings of our Father.
Winfield / Jerry Ross PTO
May 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
TOM Little
May 29, 2008
Steve was always working with some wonderful folks who were encouraged to do their very best.
Other people were surprised but never Steve. He always believed
that people could greatly exceed even their own expectations!
Sarah Neely
May 29, 2008
Sorry for you loss, my prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything just let me know
Cliff & Barb Cary
May 29, 2008
I found this and thought it was so appropriate at this time. You are all in our prayers.
~~~
God saw you were getting tired
-And a cure was not to be,
So he put His arms around you
-and whispered “Come to Me.”
With tearful eyes we watched you,
-And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
-We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
-Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
-He only takes the best.
~~~
Kathy Kelleher
May 29, 2008
Like the ripples on the water, so are the many lives Steve touched. I'm blessed to have been one of those lives. My prayers go out to Steve's family and his ministries. If you need anything, please ask.
Joe and Christine Mosqueda
May 29, 2008
Szoke Family, Candy, Jada, Bob, Lorraine and Sara. Steve was our inspiration to believe, once again. Your family has made us believe, that yes there are ANGELS with us. God has called another to help him elsewhere...Hopefully to help pave the way for all of us. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Dennis Grove
May 29, 2008
My sympathy goes out to the family of Steve. I heard so much about him and his wonderful ministry. God was pleased to take him home. May God bless you all with strength in the hope we have in Christ Jesus.
Melissa Westerhout
May 29, 2008
Sorry for your loss, Steve was a wonderful man. I'm glad I had a chance to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Bell
May 29, 2008
Sorry for your loss if you need anything just call.
Jerry & Janice Bailey
May 29, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of your loss; our thoughts & prayers go out to your family. At times like these we often wonder "why", but it's not for us to know the "why" but to trust & lean on the One who does; He always knows what is best, even when we don't. God bless you all!
Beth Bevan
May 29, 2008
I pray that the Heavenly Father lift up all the people who had the joy and luck to come to know and be touched by such a light. May He comfort them and be with them. And may Steves memory shine on forever.
Sean Young
May 29, 2008
Steve touched my life as he did so many others.I thank GOD that he sent this angel my way.May the Szoke family find peace that Steve is in a better place.
RED
Jim & Nikki Sopher
May 29, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
May 29, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Treasure your many memories. The love of family and friends will strengthen you during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort be of comfort to you, family and friends at this time - 2nd Corinthians 1:2-4.
krista almada
May 28, 2008
We will all miss Steve, we all got to know and love him in our office. My son looked up to him for a lot of different reasons he really made an impact on Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Krista Almada ( Dr's office)
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