Steven Raymond Linderleaf

DONNYBROOK, N.D. — Steven Raymond Linderleaf, 49, of Donnybrook, N.D., died Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at his home.

Steven was born in Bellaire on Jan. 27, 1959, the son of Raymond and Ida (Underhill) Linderleaf. He was raised in Rapid City with his sister, Debbie and brother, Tony, where he loved the woods, hunting and fishing.

Steve graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1977. He was a proud Kalkaska Blazer, where he played football and wrestled.

Steve married Pamela Alspaugh in Alden on Sept. 1, 1979. They resided in Alden until joining the Air Force in 1984. Serving at Griffiss, AFB, Rome, N.Y., from 1984 to 1992; K.I. Sawyer AFB, Gwinn, Mich., from 1992 to 1995; and Minot AFB, Minot, N.D., from 1995 to 2004.

Steve served his nation with pride from 1984 until his retirement in 2004. He was a participant in the Persian Gulf War going to Iraq in 1991. Steve earned many awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, AF Achievement Medal, AF Longevity Service Awards Ribbon with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze service star and the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star.

Steve received his Department of Transportation-Federal Aviation Administration Airframe Powerplant-Mechanical Certificate (A & P) License in May 2000. He earned his Community College of the Air Force Association degrees in Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technology and Instructor of Technology and Military Science in 2002.

Upon retirement, he worked at the Minot Air Force Base gas station as head mechanic and was an assistant coach for the Kenmare High School wrestling program. He took great pride in watching his son wrestle and was there to offer support, encouragement and advice.

He happily watched his daughter, Andrea marry Tony Topolski and have her son, Anthony, whom he couldn't stop buying things for. He was thrilled they lived nearby for those daily visits.

Steve was proud of having daughter, Angela in the military service, and seeing her marry Airman Alex Smeltzer this last May. Angela pinned on his retirement pin, which was a big surprise for him, one that was planned and put into action by his family and Air Force personnel.

He was a boastful Daddy of Andrea, Angela and Steven Jr. His children were what he considered his greatest accomplishment in life.

Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids. He taught them many things, such as auto repair, and made sure his girls especially knew basic auto knowledge so they wouldn't have to rely on someone else. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela of Donnybrook, N.D.; son, Steven R. Linderleaf Jr. of Donnybrook, N.D.; daughters, Andrea L. Topolski of Donnybrook, N.D., and Angela J. (Alex) Linderleaf-Smeltzer of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandson, Anthony Topolski Jr.; parents, Raymond and Ida Linderleaf of Rapid City; brother, Tony Linderleaf of Rapid City; and Grandma Linderleaf of Traverse City.

Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Debra (Linderleaf) Hiller; son, Tony Topolski; Grandma and Grandpa Underhill; and Grandpa Linderleaf.

A memorial service took place in North Dakota. Local services will take place at a later date.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.