Stephen Wadsworth

1944 - 2025

Stephen (Steve) Lee Wadsworth

1944 - 2025

Cottonwood Heights, UT - Stephen "Steve" Lee Wadsworth, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle starting with liver disease. He was born on May 2, 1944, to Lonetta and Darrel Wadsworth in SLC, Utah. He grew up near the Air Force Base in Wendover, Utah, where he spent his childhood. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elaine Dahlstrom, and is survived by his big brother, Glenn Wadsworth (Tammy)

Steve was a gifted athlete from the beginning. Growing up in Wendover and later attending Grantsville High School, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He went on to play second base for the University of Utah.

During his younger years, Steve was also the lead guitarist and lead vocalist for his band, The Rideaways, a band that toured several states and became especially popular in Wendover, where reunion concerts were always welcomed and well-attended.

Steve met the love of his life, Trudy Hemmert, while spending summers in Star Valley, Wyoming. Their marriage was one of deep devotion, loyalty, and partnership. Trudy was his constant support and cared tenderly for him through every illness and trial. Together, they raised four children: Krista El-Bakri (Jere), Meggan Felts (Corland), Paul Wadsworth (Suzanna), and Molly Robinson (Taylor). Steve was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought even more happiness and love in his life.

Professionally, Steve was an exceptionally talented mechanical engineer. He began his career with Redd & Redd Associates, eventually rising to president before founding his own successful firm, WHW Engineering Inc.. His work lives on in projects across Utah, including Dixie College, the Salt Palace, Southern Utah University, Weber State, USU, and the University of Utah.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steve served faithfully in many callings, including as a bishop, bishop councilor, high councilman and scout leader, where he became a mentor, counselor, and friend to countless people. To meet him was to feel loved; to know him was to feel seen. He had a gift for lifting others through quiet service, sincere kindness, and a remarkable sense of humor.

Steve's life was marked by perseverance and grace. After receiving a lifesaving liver transplant, made possible through the Turner family's selfless donation, Steve was blessed with 23 additional years. In that time, he witnessed his younger 2 children marry, welcomed thirteen grandchildren, attended 4 grandchildren's weddings, many baptisms, missionary farewells and homecomings and lastly welcoming his five cherished great-grandchildren, and filled many more years with love, joy, and family gatherings. The family will forever honor the sacrifice of JD Turner, whose gift gave our grandpa the priceless gift of time.

He was deeply devoted to his family-first as a supportive father who attended every game, performance, and milestone, and later as a doting grandfather and great-grandfather who became each child's biggest fan. He served for many years on the board of the youth baseball league, also serving for a time as president. In this capacity he was able to influence many young athletes.

Beyond his accomplishments, Steve simply loved life. He was an avid reader enjoying westerns and mysteries. He enjoyed flyfishing, shooting,hunting, shooting, telling jokes, building Legos and puzzles, constructing model airplanes, and expressing his artistic talent through drawing. At the time of his passing, he was working on original artwork for each of his family members.

Steve made everyone feel welcomed and valued. He loved easily, laughed often, and saw people as the Savior sees them. His legacy is one of quiet strength, compassion, service, humor, and unwavering love.

He will be loved and missed every day!

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again Monday, December 15 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 7035 Nutree Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 7035 Nutree Drive, Cottonwood Heights, Utah

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in his honor you extend a kindness to someone in need this holiday season.

A live stream of the funeral service can be viewed at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/95276744875?pwd=jOgmdYOS6gG3zi1RkUNphY5NgaecMk.1