Steven A. "Steve" Boettler

Steven A. “Steve” Boettler, 59, of Springfield Township, passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2025, with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was just a few weeks shy of his 60th birthday.

Steve was born on August 31, 1965, in Canton, Ohio, to David Boettler, Sr. and Vernice (Leighty) Boettler. He was a 1985 graduate of Green High School. A dedicated and hardworking man, he spent the majority of his career as a plastic extrusion operator, continuing his work until his illness limited his ability to do so.

Though quiet by nature, Steve found joy in the simple things in life. He loved decorating for Halloween, creating elaborate props that delighted and spooked neighbors year after year. At Christmastime, his home glowed with countless lights, never the plain white ones, always the bright, multi-colored strands he loved best. He took pride in keeping up with his yard and landscaping, where his green thumb seemed to grow giant flowers that had no business becoming as tall as they became. A devoted Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan, Steve never missed a chance to cheer on his teams.

Steve’s family was always a central part of his life, and he cherished the time spent with them. Whether it be a trip to Cedar Point, a summer family tradition for many years, celebrating holidays together, or just enjoying a family picnic, Steve seemed happiest when they were all together. He had a special fondness for Mohican State Park, even purchasing a camper for family camping trips, that he fully loaded to ensure no one had to bring a thing.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, David L. Boettler, Sr. He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his mother, Vernice M. Boettler; brother, David Boettler, Jr.; and sister, Stephanie (Paul) Doolittle. Steve could always be counted on by his mother Vernice, and enjoyed spending many days browsing different shops with her during their shopping trips. He also enjoyed spending time with his older brother Dave, going to the tractor pulls, air force museums, and other trips where they shared their interest over various machines. Steve and his little sister Stephanie, shared a mutual love for the Cleveland Browns throughout life, cheering on the team they loved.

Though Steve never married or had children of his own, he was a beloved uncle who played a significant role in the lives of his nieces and nephews, some of whom he was very close to and helped raise: Tara (Brandon) Donel, David (Misty) Boettler, John Eaton, Timothy Eaton, Andrew (Megan) Eaton, and Heather Eaton. He was also a proud great-uncle to Brighton, Natalie, Arabella, Mason, Logan, Lena, Hadley, Ethan, Wyatt, and Levi. Steve could always be found holding and cuddling them when they were tiny, teasing them as they grew older, and laughing when they started teasing him back.

Our family is devastated to have lost our “Uncle Steve”, but Steve’s quiet strength, warm humor, and gentle presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family will live on in the memories of all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Summa Oncology and Palliative Care team, as well as Crossroads Hospice, for the care they provided for Steve during his illness.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life in Steve’s honor at Mohican State Park North Shelterhouse, Perrysville, OH 44864, on Saturday, September 27, 2025 starting at 1:00p. Family and friends are invited to come spend the day sharing their memories of Steve, playing games, laughing, eating and doing what Steve loved to do best.

To share a memory of Steve or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guest book below.