Steven Salopek

Steven J. Salopek, 69, died peacefully January 7, 2025. He was born December 1955, the sixth of seven children: Ellen Walth (Mike) of Colorado, Jack (Vickie) Salopek of Las Cruces, Jim Salopek of Santa Fe, Elizabeth (Bill) Hoffman of Las Cruces, Patty Kinney (deceased), then the seventh Christine (Bill) Brown of Grapevine, Tx.

 Steve as a young boy read Louis L'Amour and chose to take up the author's philosophy of living a life with a personal code of honor. 

Steve attended Mesilla Park, Zia, Las Cruces High '73, NMMI and NMSU. Steve graduated from NMSU with a BS in Ag Extension and Education. He had farmed all his life up until then. He became a pecan buyer, market predictor and marketing information specialist. 

Steve was an amazing husband and partner to Marcia, to whom he was married 45 years. They lived their vows of richer or poorer, sickness and health. He was best friend/father to their sons, Laramie Salopek and Travis Salopek. Steve took the father job very seriously. He became the Boy Scout pack leader at Mesilla Park, the basketball coach at Tombaugh, the Dad lunch patrol at Zia, assistant football coach at Zia, booster member at LCHS football and pit crew at the races. He never missed a single game or activity with his sons. And roller coasters! (Disneyland, Fiesta Texas, Magic Mountain, Magic Landing, Schlitterbahn). There were major league baseball games at LA, Texas, Atlanta, Tampa and Phoenix. There were toys too: jet skis, four wheelers, hobby stock race cars, boats—anything his boys wanted to try. 

He was father-in-law to the ever-patient Kelly McGinley and Jessica Muncrief Salopek who endured his teasing and advice, as well as whole family beach vacations to Puerta Vallarta, Mismaloya, Cancun, Tulum, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach and Destin. 

Steve was a partner in crime, bad example and grandfather to Shaylie, Bo, Jason, Lily, Jenna and Will Salopek.

 He leaves lifelong best buddies Dave Koenig, Tom Coleman, Phillip Arnold, Phil Azar, Steve Lyles and Dave Salopek.

 Steve had pecan industry career long friends Lalo Soria, Lester Bergeron and Jerry Rutledge.

 Our family would like to thank Dr. Bass, Dr. Bobby Harrison, Dr. LeeAnn and especially the team (Ramona and Dr. Tucker) at Mesilla Valley Hospice for their excellent care.

 Steve will be cremated, and his ashes will be released at a private ceremony later.