Stephen Douglas Duscha

1949 - 2025

Stephen Douglas Duscha

July 26, 1949 - January 25, 2025

Sacramento, California - Steve Duscha, a beloved husband, friend, and influential public servant, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. He was predeceased by his much-loved wife, Wanda Lee Graves, who passed away just nine months earlier in April 2024. Known for his sharp wit and determined spirit, Steve was a devoted husband, passionate about his career, and a champion of California's economy. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in journalism, Steve started in 1975 as a reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He specialized in California agriculture, writing compelling feature articles that captured the changing landscape of the industry. One of his most memorable stories, "Why Don't Peaches Taste Like Peaches Anymore?" explored the changing nature of food production in the face of evolving market demands.

In 1978, Steve left The Bee to work for then-Gov. Jerry Brown, where he specialized in workforce issues during a critical labor shortage. His work played a pivotal role in the creation of the Employment Training Panel (ETP) in 1982, where he served as the first director. Under his leadership, the ETP helped train millions of workers, benefitting more than 100,000 businesses across California. Steve continued to advise on workforce development issues until his retirement, dedicating 40 years of his life to creating opportunities for job training and economic growth in the state. Steve's professional achievements were matched by his personal life, where he found love with Wanda Lee Graves. They married in 1977, and together, they shared a life filled with travel, cultural exploration, and a deep commitment to the arts. They were avid patrons of the San Francisco Opera and enjoyed traveling to places like Paris, England, China, Cuba, Arkansas, Peru, and Mexico. Their second home in the coastal village of Trinidad, California, was a beloved retreat where they found peace and joy in nature, cooking meals together, entertaining friends, and rejuvenating from their high-pressure careers. Steve's character was marked by his sharp intellect, dedication to his work, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. Whether he was writing a story on agriculture or advocating for workforce training, Steve brought the same level of professionalism and passion to everything he did. Steve's life was marked by both achievement and devotion-to his family, his work, and the communities he served. Despite his battle with cancer, Steve remained resolute, continuing to care for Wanda Lee during her final months. His strength, determination, and enduring love for his wife left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Steve is survived by his siblings and their families - Fred Duscha, Sally Duscha, and Suzanne Duscha, as well as numerous friends and colleagues who will forever remember him as an advocate for the betterment of California's workforce and as a friend whose loyalty and generosity knew no bounds.