Steven Frederick Altheimer

Steven Frederick Altheimer

June 19, 1949-April 26, 2023

Steven Frederick Altheimer was born June 19, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the first child of Jerome and Audrey Altheimer. He is survived by his siblings, Debbie Schmeltzer, Michael Altheimer, and Joan Rosenbaum, as well as five of his six children, Jonathan Altheimer, Michelle Slaughter, Jennifer Ruppert, Sarah Larsen, and Mackenzie Altheimer. His second youngest child, Amanda Altheimer, passed away in January 2019. He had eight grandchildren: Jayden, Bailey, Nathaniel, Blake, Alexander, Emelina, Olivia, and Madeline. Steve passed away April 26, 2023 at 73 years old in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

After graduating from Wichita Sate University in 1971 Steve became the Youth and Camp Director at the Springfield, MO YMCA. Because of Steve's concern to make sure as many children could attend camp, he was able to obtain Federal grants so children from low income homes could attend camp. In 1975, Steve's final year at the Y, over 900 children attended camp. A large majority of the kids attended for free because of Steve. When Steve started there, only 205 kids attended camp. In the 47 years since Steve left the Y, there has never been more kids attend camp in any Summer. The Youth department flourished under Steve's leadership. The number of kids using the various programs were at all time highs. Plus, Steve started new youth programs including NYPUM (National Youth Project Using Mini bikes) which helped kids achieve better grades in school.

Steve's second career was as a Midas Auto Service franchisee. in August of 1975 he went into business with his father, Jerome Altheimer. Jerome had 6 shops when Steve started and because of Steve's leadership, the company grew to 32 shops in 10 years. Steve then bought out his father and grew the company to 38 shops. He then sold to his employees using a Employee Stock Ownership Program. He did this because he cared deeply about the people he worked with for years. Along the way, Steve was named "Franchisee of the Year" which was a great honor. He also served on the Board of Directors of the International Midas Dealers Association for many years. He was the President of the IMDA for 2 years.

Steve had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life, whether it be as a son, brother, camp counselor, camp director, mentor, investor, business consultant, a pilot volunteering his time and airplane to sick kids needing transport, father, grandfather, a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish, or just having personal relationships with countless people over his lifetime. He will be missed beyond measure.

His Celebration of Life will be at the Quad Cities Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 3707 Eastern Avenue in Davenport at 2 PM, Saturday July 22.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to YMCA Camp Wakonda 417 S Jefferson Suite 1 Springfield, MO 65806 in Steve's honor.