Steven L Wassmuth

Steven L. "Steve" Wassmuth beloved husband, father, teacher, and river-guide, passed away on October 20, in Grangeville, Idaho, at the age of 71. He was born to Lawrence and Dorothy Wassmuth on July 28, 1954; fourth in a line of nine.
Steve was born in an era where children could go outside in the morning, meet up with friends, play or ride bikes until noon, eat lunch, continue playing, and be close enough to home to hear his mom blow the whistle to indicate that dinner was ready. Steve liked to tell of the time when he and a couple friends decided to ride their bikes to Cottonwood to attend the Idaho County Fair. These were one speed bikes (however fast they could peddle). The boys were caught in a rainstorm on the way so decided to stop at the laundromat to dry their clothes. They stripped down to their underwear, put their clothes in the dryer, and hid in the restroom. When their clothes finally dried, they rode on to the fairgrounds. Feeling hungry, they wanted to buy some lunch, but realized they had spent all of their money at the laundromat. Thankfully, there were enough blue ribbon pastries to satisfy their hunger!
Steve attended Sts. Peter and Paul School, St. Gertrude's Academy, and graduated from Grangeville High in 1972. He received an Associates Degree in Mechanics from LCSC, then in 1989 returned to LCSC to earn a Bachelors in Education beginning his teaching career.
Steve dedicated his life to helping others navigate both the classroom and rivers. He began his teaching career with the Mountain View School District, where he shaped generations of students with patience, humor, and a deep respect for both learning and character. Even after retiring from full-time teaching, he remained in the classroom as a substitute teacher-never missing an opportunity to mentor a student or brighten a day.
In 1983, Steve embarked on a parallel calling: guiding on the Salmon, Snake, Selway, Lochsa, and many other rivers. With more than four decades of experience as a boatman-he became known for his calm leadership, deep love of nature, and the rare gift of making strangers feel like life-long friends on the river.
Steve built a life anchored in family and community. He is survived by his wife, Lynnel Wassmuth, and their children: Brandi Davydov (Yuri), Neal (DeDe), and Austin (Karen). He loved his four grandchildren: Nikita, Moxie, Misha, and Minta. Together, Steve and Lynnel built a home-literally-crafted from river stones gathered from more than a dozen Idaho waterways, a subtle testament to the landscapes he so dearly loved.
Steve is also survived by his siblings: Marilyn Irvine (Phil), Jim (Susie Barnett), Lila McBride (Pat), Rosalie Jessup (Jerry), Patty Hamm (Ken Moore), Mike (Lori Mader), Carla Redline, (Dan), and Julie Tverdy (Chris). A multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews round out the family.
Beyond his family, Steve leaves behind a vast circle of former students, teachers, river guests, fellow guides, and friends who were touched by his kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. Steve taught us that life is less about the destination and more about the journey, how you treat the person beside you, and how you stay steady when the current picks up. He will be deeply missed-and fondly remembered-by countless hearts that were better because of him.
A rosary will be recited on Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School Gymnasium followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 am. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. You may submit condolences and stories online to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saints Peter and Paul School or the Redside Foundation (Supporting the Health and Strength of the Professional Outdoor Guiding Community.)of the
In Steve's own words:
"I spent a substantial amount of time guiding in "Hells." When I die, my hope is that there are rivers in "Heaven" and there are outfitters who are looking for guides. Rumor has it that there is someone up there who has longer hair, a beard, wears sandals, has the ability to walk on water, and is able to turn water into wine. I would love to do a trip with this legend. Just tonight on the local news I heard the meteorologist mention something about an atmospheric river headed our way. Wouldn't that be fun! "
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