Steve Crotzer

Stephen "Steve" Crotzer went to be with his Lord & Savior, 12:48 PM Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 peacefully in his sleep with his wife holding his hand and Kenny G playing in the background.

Stephen Crotzer was born with the soul of an intrepid adventurer on January 5, 1949. His journey began in Zanesville with his parents, the late William and Marian (Teddy) Meyer Crotzer. Steve's passion for travel burned so brightly, he earned the nickname, "Go Go Steve" in his childhood. His exuberant spirit continued to move him throughout his life, driving him to visit all the lower 48 states. He liked to wander the country to watch different sports contests, including hydroplane championship boat races, Big Ten football and Indy 500 races. For Steve, the greatest place on Earth was Yellowstone National Park. He saw Yellowstone change over time, enduring fires and floods, and emerging from hardships with new beauty and strength. Steve's adoration of Yellowstone was an expression of his deep understanding that nature's trials and triumphs are reflections of all of our lives. Our scars and laugh lines show our lived experiences, just like the scorched tree trunks and delicate new saplings emerging from the forest floor.

Even when Steve's health limited his ability to travel far, he knew how to find places to appreciate nature's majesty closer to home. With the love of his life, Sharon, they created a cozy home on the Muskingum River. On a lovely, warm, sunny day, they would meander down the road to share a meal at the Boathouse BBQ along the Ohio River in Marietta. Steve envisioned heaven to be just like that, with the sun sparkling on the water. He had a deep faith, and often prayed for people he knew might be struggling. He also spoke prayers for the well-being of all of God's creatures. As somewhat of an introvert, Steve preferred to demonstrate his devotion in simple, quiet ways within his family and close inner community. He did this by being a compassionate, generous son, brother, husband, father, friend, teacher, and coach. He, along with his wife Sharon, was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Zanesville.

Steve dedicated his career to teaching and coaching football. He retired from Central Ohio Technical College. His work ethic was fierce– he very rarely dismissed class early, as he believed that students should receive their full education for the tuition they paid. Steve had a rich work life, using his training in business administration from Ohio University, accounting from Muskingum College, continuing education at Drake University, and educational administration from Ashland University through a variety of roles. He developed meaningful relationships with students he mentored as their advisor. Being a teacher of accounting and math at COTC was where Steve's light shone the brightest.

Left to treasure his memory are Sharon Studer Crotzer, his beloved wife, whom he would have been married to for 33 years on May 12th of this year; 3 daughters, Amy, Kambria (Greg), and Jessica (David); grandchildren, Albert, Matthew, Michela, Andrew, Adam; and brother, Keith (Lora). In addition to Steve's parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Kenton.

Steve and his family wish to express special gratitude to Interim Hospice & In Home Health, The Oaks at Bethesda, and Dr. Ronald Kalchik for all of their care and compassion. Memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, Lifewise Academy, or Interim Hospice may be given to honor Steve's memory.

Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. in charge of the arrangements, which are pending at this time, please check back later for details.