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Steven Althaus Obituary
Steven R. Althaus, age 72, of New Era passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born March 10, 1950, in Grand Rapids to the late Wesley and Norma (Saunders) Althaus.
Steve graduated from Grand Haven High School and went on to Ferris State University. After graduating with multiple degrees, he then earned his Master's in Education from University of Michigan. He taught high school for 36 years (Clio High School and Forest Hills Northern), as well as supervised the Grand Haven schools' paint crew during summers for 27 years.
Steve loved spending time with family, attending as many events for his family as he could, researching his Swiss heritage (including traveling to Switzerland to connect with family in person), and he was always the first person to lend a helping hand. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling by train and taking the trip of his life going to Svalbard (aka, the North Pole) to visit his daughter Chelsea. He was an avid year-round fisherman and deer hunter, and loved telling his family about the big one that got away.
Steve is survived by the loves of his life: granddaughter Lucienne "Lucie" Wagoner, wife Debra (Duncil) Althaus of New Era, sister Romayne Althaus of Grand Haven, and children Kara (Jay) Wagoner of Hudsonville, Wesley (Phillip Churchill) Althaus of Lansing and Chelsea (Kerra Norton) Fox of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, step-children LeAnn (Chad) Enbody and Preston (Seon Mi) Modrok, and step-grandchildren Sierra, Madyson and Haidyn Enbody and L.J. and Alec Modrok, the mother of his children Diane (Lentz) Althaus, and his beloved dog Penny.
A celebration of life service will be held on January 14, 2023, at the American Legion in Grand Haven from 2-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CurePSP (https://www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/) or Faith Hospice (https://faith hospicecare.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Althaus
6 Entries
Rich Misner
January 22, 2023
As a life time friend of Steve's I'm shocked. I'm just now learning of his passing from my sister Laurie in Grand Haven. I'm sad beyond words at losing such a great buddy. We had some good times throughout the years all the way back to the 70s. Fishing, water skiing, and just hanging out at the beach. I'll miss you a lot my friend!! You're in my heart forever. RIP Otis.
If you see this Romayne, just know I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. Love ya...Rich
Troy Gotwalt
January 13, 2023
Steven was a great man during the time I had the pleasure of meeting him. in class and especially school store at Forrest Hills Northern.He was truly a kind soul and one of the fairest people I've ever met.may you find everything you want in your next adventure. Troy Gotwalt class of 87 FHN
Mike Wyman
January 11, 2023
I had the opportunity to spend multiple years under Steve´s tutelage as a Forest Hills student and participant in the DECA program. His impact is both profound and lifelong.
Count me amount the many who thought of him more than he could possibly know.
Steve´s guidance and friendship were truly a gift.
Melvin
December 15, 2022
My deepest condolences to you, Kara and family. May he continue his new life in the Kingdom of GOD and be blessed as always. GOD blessed his soul!!
Sincerely,
Melvin Jesse Teregeyo
GMS
Ted Rescorla
December 14, 2022
My condolences to the family. Steve worked with me at GH schools supervising and mentoring our summer paint crew. A great person gone to soon. He will be truly missed
Brian Johnson
December 14, 2022
I cherish my memories working with Steve. He always created classroom projects that were fun, engaging, and relevant. I created a new activity for the kids and my first thought was, Steve would´ve loved this one. He mentored me as I took over the FHN DECA chapter. I´m so grateful for the impact Steve had on my professional life. Even after you retired, I thought of you more than you could possibly know.
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