Steven F. Kauder

On January 4, 2023, the world lost Steven F. Kauder - an immeasurably kind, selfless soul & always the tallest man in the room. A true mensch with an irrepressible optimism, a deep, booming voice & a heart far too big for this earth.

Steve lived a life of many passions. An avid sports enthusiast, he was always tuned into his New York professional teams and the games of his beloved alma mater, ODU. A music lover, he spent hours jamming to the sounds of Little Feat & The Grateful Dead. A skilled woodworker, he partnered with his brother-in-crime, Don, to carve works of art out of wood he foraged with his brother Neal. Steve was a lover of fresh & saltwater fishing, bass fishing with his brother Neal & boating the Chesapeake Bay. When he wasn't on the water, Steve was bagging birdies on the golf course or visiting with his family & network of lifelong friends (Barry Dixon, Weston Spivey, Jimmy Black, Blair Arbogast, & Gill Cahill). But his greatest joys in life were his family. Steve and his wife Janet remain endlessly proud of their two wonderful children, Sarah & Aaron, whom Steve loved with his whole heart.

A 1980 graduate of Old Dominion University, he went on to a successful 35-year career in IT management, retiring from Merck in 2015. Steve was 64 years old when he finally rested in his fight with ALS, a fight defined by his characteristic grace, courage, dignity & humor.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Marie Kauder; his children Sarah Marie Kauder & Aaron David Kauder; his daughter-in-law, Regina Putri Kauder (Aaron); his mother, Violet Kauder; his brothers, Don (Tamara) & Neal (Jane); his cousins Kenneth (Tenna), Karen, & Steven; his seven nieces & nephews & their children - all of whom he loved like his own.

He was preceded by his father, CDR Robert Kauder; brother, Bruce Kauder MD; one Aunt, Sandy; two uncles, Nessim & Marty; & his sister-in-law, Andrea Kauder (Neal).

An open house will be held at the Kauder residence. Sturtevant Funeral Home in Portsmouth, VA will handle burial arrangements, which will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The ALS Association.