Steven Joel Buterbaugh

Buterbaugh, Steven Joel
Steven Joel Buterbaugh passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2015. He was laughing with a co-worker when he collapsed and died instantly. Steve was born on July 15, 1959 in Belmond, Iowa as the second of 6 children. He lived on the family farm until 1972 when the family moved to Scottsdale. He graduated from Coronado High School in 1977 and held degrees from Scottsdale Community College as well as Arizona State University. Steve was mature beyond his years and one of the most brilliant people around. He had a penchant for remembering things with amazing accuracy. While working for his brother, Dave's, accounting firm (Dave Buterbaugh, CPA,) Steve decided to become an Enrolled Agent. His incredible memory would serve him well in this capacity as an agent where he could represent taxpayers before all levels of the IRS. He was a very proud member of the NAEA, Arizona Society of Enrolled Agents, where he served as president last year and was currently on the board of directors, and the Central Arizona Chapter of Enrolled Agents. On Thanksgiving 2014, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. He took the diagnosis not as a death sentence, but as a license to live. His bucket list included visiting all 50 states. He took this challenge on with a vengeance, and only had 5 or 6 states left when he passed. He had a love for hot air ballooning and was able to fly in them a couple of times at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. He also was an avid fan of HGTV and the Property Brothers, and was able to see them in person this spring. Steve never let the cancer get to him. Even though it was very advanced, his attitude was so positive that you almost forgot he was sick. He lived his life to the fullest and was full of love and happiness when he passed. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, George and Lucille Buterbaugh, nephew Justin Buterbaugh, and numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives. He is survived by his siblings, David (Trish) Buterbaugh, Judith Buterbaugh, Lori Jordan, Lisa Carter, Tim (Jeanneane) Buterbaugh, nieces Jamie, Jessica, Jordan and Gillian Buterbaugh, and nephews Arren, Brandon and Nicholas Buterbaugh. Visitation will be Friday, July 10th at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church, 1030 N. Hayden Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Foundation for Blind Children in memory of Justin Buterbaugh. We love you Steve and you will be missed by all!