Gary Dean Steps

Gary Dean Steps, 76

January 11, 2026

Gary Dean Steps passed away on January 11, 2026, just days before his 76th birthday at his home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his staunch advocacy for issues important to him, his lifelong interest in learning, his loyalty to his family and friends, and his great love for his Border Collies.

Gary was born on January 15, 1950, in Topeka, Kansas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kansas University and remained an enthusiastic fan of the Jayhawks his entire life. He received an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business.

Gary spent most of his career at IBM and was a Senior Project Manager at the time of his retirement. During his thirty-year career at IBM, he had the opportunity to work on numerous unique projects, and traveled extensively, for both business and pleasure, including an extended assignment in Germany. Some of his trips took Gary to California where he visited Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and saw the mass gatherings (up to 150,000) of Monarch Butterflies during their migration. After retiring from IBM, Gary established a consulting business, Butterfly Energy Works, reflecting his ongoing interest in energy efficiency, systems, thoughtful design and the environment.

Gary had no children, but raised several dogs as if they were children. He was especially fond of Border Collies, of which he raised several.

He is survived by his sister, Martha Frank; brother, Steve (Diana) Steps; sister-in-law, Jill (Robert) Steps; nieces Rebecca Steps and Jessica Steps (Joel) Jermakian; nephews Trevor (Rachel) Frank and Aaron Steps; great nephews Gareth and Anders Krecke, Miles and Lucas Jermakian, and Logan and Aiden Frank; and his beloved Border Collie, Zorro, who was a constant and cherished companion.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Emil Steps; mother, Helen Marie Steps; brother, Robert William Steps; brother-in-law, Manual Frank; and nephew, Corey Frank.

A private remembrance will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Gary's memory through curiosity, kindness, and dedication to doing things well.