Stephen Frederick Tholcke

It is with great sadness that we share the death of Stephen Frederick Tholcke. Steve died peacefully at home on March 27, 2025. He was a loving husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Everyone who knew him was blessed by his kindness and care for them. Steve was born on August 20, 1959, in Napa to Frederick and Patricia Tholcke, the youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Justin-Siena High School in Napa, and he completed his bachelor’s degree at CSU Chico in 1982. He received his master’s degree in 2002 from Loyola University New Orleans. He was predeceased by his parents, and aunts and uncles.

Steve met his wife, Cheryl Stark, in late 1982 when they were working in youth ministry for the Diocese of Sacramento. They married on October 18, 1986 at St. Francis of Assisi in Sacramento.

Steve enjoyed camping, hiking, and kayaking. He served as Associate Director and then Director of Camp Pendola/Pendola Center from 1983-2006. He enjoyed leading a wonderful summer camp staff in providing an outdoor experience for children and teens. From 2006-2024, Steve worked for St. Francis High School in Sacramento, first as Retreat Director, then as Director of Campus Ministry. He and his talented campus ministry team provided ministry leadership classes, retreats, service projects, and coordinated the prayer services and liturgies for the school. He retired in July 2024 after 42 years of ministry and service in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Steve also enjoyed working in the yard and gardening, growing tomatoes, basil, garlic, various lettuces, melons, and other vegetables. He was an excellent cook and recently mastered pasta making.

Steve and Cheryl enjoyed traveling and went to Hawai’i, Mexico, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Belize, Italy, and France, as well as many places throughout the U.S. They enjoyed cruises that took them to Alaska, throughout the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal, including Central America.

Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cheryl, and his kitty, Ziva. He was the brother of Dianne (Ron) Weichel of Grass Valley, Richard (Jeannette) Tholcke of Napa, and Gary Tholcke of Grants Pass, OR. He was the brother-in-law of Randy Stark, Patrick (Audrey) Stark, Laura (Guy) Smith, Rhonda (David) DiGrande, and Jamie (Erin Reid) Stark. He was the cherished uncle of Jeremy Tholcke, Christopher (LeAnn) Tholcke, Sarah (Brad) Isham, Nick (Holly) Tholcke, Joel (Jackie) Smith, Joshua (Brielle) Smith, Nathanael (Sara) Smith, Nahum Smith, Bryant Stark, Eric Stark, Derek DiGrande, Ryan DiGrande, Garrett Stark, Skylar Stark, and Declan Stark. He loved his role as great-uncle to Erick Tholcke; William, Maggie, Hugh, Joey, and Alice Tholcke; Dino, Santino, Ariano, and Angelo Isham; Noah Tholcke; Alizee and Alina Smith; Flynn, Julien, and Lyla Smith. Steve is also survived by many cousins.

The vigil service will be held on Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sacramento. The funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sacramento, followed by a reception at the parish. Private family burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Steve’s memory to Mercy Pedalers, www.mercypedalers.com or Mercy Pedalers, 2419 L Street #6, Sacramento CA 95816.