Steve Macha

1954 - 2021

Steve Macha
November 10, 1954 - April 17, 2021
Merced, California - Steve was son to Edward Jr. and Audrey Macha. He is survived by his wife Jill Knox Macha; his children: Stephanie Macha (Shaun), Jarrod Macha (Megan) and Brittney Chase (Robby); his 6 grandchildren: Corbin, Sophie, and Josie Macha, and Brenton, Bayne and Barrett Chase; his two siblings: Rob Macha (Cathy) and Lyn Macha Pounds (Ken); and his beloved dogs Arnold and Putter.
In their youth, Steve and Rob would torment their younger sister Lyn. They loved trying to get a rise out of her, so they built a "No Sisters Allowed" fort high up on their backyard fence. Steve was skilled in building things, and he designed his own skimboards, skateboards, and a he made a cannon in his metal shop class that actually fired! Later in life, Steve and Rob, owned and operated a concrete business. Steve later went on to get his teaching credential and retired in June 2020 as a vocational education teacher at MCOE. Steve not only taught job skills, but he later found a passion in teaching life skills and mentoring and changing many lives. His students adored him – several of them established long-term friendships with him.
Steve was an intelligent, fun, hardworking, kind, loving man who had the best sense of humor, quick-wit, creative facial expressions and one-liners that would have people in stitches. He would captivate an entire room of people with his detailed, embellished stories – all while keeping a straight face. Steve's favorite nephew, Eddie, nicknamed him "Uncle Buck," because when Uncle Steve babysat, it was always an adventure, just like in the movie.
Steve enjoyed an active life. He had a passion for the Raiders, and he enjoyed his season tickets, tailgate parties, barbeques, and libations with his Raider Nation friends…he expressed quite a creative vocabulary depending on if they were winning or losing. He loved road trips, golfing, traveling (usually with his golf clubs), driving his big truck named Brutus, team-roping, playing baseball and coaching Little League and basketball in his younger years.
Steve and his wife, "Jill-Pill", were soulmates. When they met, there was instant chemistry. Jill and Steve were best friends and partners-in-crime. She could keep up with his one-liners and jabs, and she would fire back at him until they couldn't stop chuckling. Practical jokes went back and forth between the two. There was always laughter in their home and everywhere they went. Steve loved to cook for Jill, and he was very good at it. As an added bonus, he always cleaned up the mess after a wonderful meal.
Steve was charismatic, handsome, and strong. He was hard to miss with his tall stature, Magnum PI mustache, cowboy hat and Wranglers. His piercing blue eyes sparkled when he told a story, which was often accentuated by that raised right eyebrow of his. He was very dependable, well…except when he was supposed to leave the Elks Lodge on time. He was loving and loyal to his wife, children, family, animals and friends. Steve had a heart of gold and touched the lives of many who had the pleasure of knowing him.
No one enters heaven alone, you have to be invited. Steve, we miss you, but we know you are in good company. Now go rope the moon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to New Beginnings for Merced County Animals.