Steven A. Lotterer

1957 - 2015

Steven A. Lotterer passed away peacefully on the morning of March 8th, 2015 after a courageous battle with liver disease at his home in Washington, D.C. Steve was born August 10th, 1957 in Fort Scott, Kansas to George S. Lotterer and Ernestine Bilyew Lotterer (Basel).
Steve graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1975. Even before he graduated from FSHS, Steve was involved in the press. Steve began working in 1974 for the Fort Scott Tribune and the Marmaton Valley Sun and continued that work from Washington, D.C. until 1979 when he graduated from Georgetown University. Also during that same time, Steve served as an intern for Congressman Joe Skubitz R-KS. This work with Representative Skubitz led Steve to a longstanding career as a servant to those in public office. In 1979 Steve continued that service when he served Congressman Robert (Bob) Whittaker R-KS as Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant until 1982. Steve then began a long standing work relationship with Congressman Guy Vander-Jagt R-MI who was the Chairman of the National Republican Committee. Steve joined the Committee in 1982 where he served primarily as the Director of Chairman's Operations and as National Committee Press Secretary.
One of Steve's earliest and most prominent achievements was to fulfill a role as Editor of the newly created Republican Information Network which was under the direction of then President Ronald Reagan. As his work progressed over the years with the NRCC, Steve tirelessly gave his time and talent to see that many Republican candidates for Congress were successfully elected to office. This service gained Steve access to the highest in public service, including in-person interactions with President Ronald Reagan, and then Vice President George H.W. Bush as well and many others. Steve worked and attended every Presidential Inauguration from 1980 until 2004. His life work also extended internationally as he worked for the U.S. Department of State in numerous roles abroad organizing and leading citizen diplomacy programs for the Department of State and the United States Information Agency. His love of his country was how Steve made his living, and his passion for life was not only his greatest asset to the Nation but his most endearing quality to his family and close friends.
Steve's greatest accomplishment was as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. Steve was preceded in death by his parents George and Ernestine. Surviving is Steve's long-time friend of more than 30 years Ted Anderson of Arlington, VA, brother Jeff Lotterer and wife Wanda of Salina, KS, sister Shelly Minton and husband Phil of Pittsburg, KS and brother Jay Lotterer and wife Crystal of Pittsburg KS as well as many nieces and nephews.
Steve's wishes were to be cremated.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home located at 15 West Wall Street in Fort Scott, KS.