Stevan Gayle Ridder

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Stevan Gayle Ridder, known as "Steve" and affectionately called "Tex" by his siblings, on January 7, 2026, in Rockledge, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.

Steve was born on May 22, 1940, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Maxine and Gayle Ridder. In 1951, his family moved to Orlando, Florida, where he was raised in a household filled with fun, laughter, and humor that would shape his lifelong love of joy. He graduated from Edgewater High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College.

Steve began his professional career with Martin Marietta, where he gained valuable early experience that helped shape his work ethic and leadership style. He later built a long and successful career with Sears, beginning as a salesman in the catalog department at the Rockledge store. His natural people skills and strong performance quickly led to his appointment as department head and entry into the management training program. Steve became one of the youngest store managers at the time at the Titusville store, and later managed the Rockledge store. He ultimately supervised the construction of the Sears store on Merritt Island, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. After retiring from Sears, Steve continued his professional journey with Intercontinent Trading Company and American Telepartners, remaining active and engaged in the business world.

A true people person, Steve loved connecting with others in every setting-whether mentoring employees, solving customer issues, striking up conversations with strangers in the grocery store, or bartending at church fundraisers. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in people made him unforgettable. His impact was so well loved that Sears employees once decorated South Tropical Trail with celebratory signs reading, "Lordy, Lordy, Steve's over 40" and "Steve Ridder, You're Over the Hill!"

Steve was also a tireless and passionate volunteer, giving generously of his time and leadership to the community. He served as Vice President of both the Titusville Chamber of Commerce and the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Central Brevard American Heart Association-an organization especially meaningful to him in honor of his father, who passed away from a stroke at age 68-and as a member of the United Way Board of Directors, where he also served as Campaign Chairman. He was a Board Member of the Community Foundation of Brevard County and an active member of the Rotary Club of Cocoa. His volunteer work extended to Wuesthoff Hospital, Merritt Island Little League, Indian Guides, and St. Mark's Episcopal Church, where he served faithfully as a Vestry member.

Steve's interests were as varied as his friendships. He loved boating, tennis, running, reading, and playing the guitar and banjo-but golf was his true passion. An avid golfer and enthusiastic fundraising tournament player, his favorite event was the annual golf trip with fellow retired Sears store managers. He proudly passed his love of golf to his grandsons, buying Thomas his first set of clubs at age five-clubs later shared by Michael.

Above all else, Steve adored his family. He and his wife created countless memories through family trips, skiing, rafting adventures, and cherished Fourth of July weekends at their home in Georgia-times always filled with laughter. Steve was the humor of the family, famous for inventing stories on the spot, telling tales like "Little Johnny Wino" about how wine was invented, and giving everyone playful nicknames.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Judy Ridder; his sisters, Ann McMichael, Mary Smith, and Linde Blosser; his children, Beth Ridder Briggs (Don), Stevan Gayle Ridder Jr. (Blythe), Joe Elebash (Cherie), and Dan Elebash (Maggie); and his eight grandchildren, Thomas Briggs, Carly Briggs, Peyton Elebash, Annelise Ridder, Garrett Elebash, Avery Ridder, Michael Briggs, and Stevan Gayle Ridder III (Trey). He was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and Gayle Ridder, and his brother, George Ridder.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Cocoa Village, Florida, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation or the Brevard Humane Society.

Steve will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, laughter, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the family, friends, and community he loved so deeply.