Steven Burtch

Steven J. Burtch 1910-2011 Steven J. Burtch, 100, passed away peacefully at his home June 3rd, 2011. The son of Rev. Ford and Bessie Burtch, and the second of 7 children, he was born October 25, 1910 in McMinnville, OR. Steven was raised in Montana and attended college in Bozeman. As a tour bus driver in Yellowstone, he met Arlene Carlson, and they married in 1941. Steven and Arlene raised two sons and two daughters. During World War II, Steven worked as a machinist in the Portland shipyards. There he also served as a lay minister at the rescue mission. In 1961, he and his family moved to Star, where he served as director of Canyon County Civil Defense. After he retired, he and Arlene grew raspberries on their farm near Star. Steven's greatest desire was to serve the Lord and study the Bible. He was an avid reader, and a gifted writer of poetry and theology until his 100th year. Steven was preceded in death by Arlene in 2002. He is survived by his sister, Clara Burtch of Boise; and by his 5 children, Joan Hedges of Surprise, AZ; Lynn Burtch of Tucson, AZ; Sharon Donica of Gooding, Neil Burtch of Boise, and Beth Jensen of Star. He is also survived by grandchildren Diane Claver, Arthur Donica, Allyson Jensen, Abby Jensen, and Hayley Urrutia; and by his great-grandchildren. A true gentleman, Steven lived a long and meaningful life. He was dearly loved by family and friends, who will cherish his memory and miss his wisdom and sense of humor. The family would like to thank all those who assisted in his care. We appreciate them so much. A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., today (Tuesday), June 7, 2011 at Dry Creek Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel.