Stephen Schowengerdt

1952 - 2024

Stephen Lane Schowengerdt

1952-2024

Bellevue, Idaho-Life was one big adventure for Stephen Lane Schowengerdt, challenging himself – and everyone else – at every opportunity. He viewed everything with a sense of curiosity and wanted to see how things worked – not always a good idea – and he relished new experiences.

His natural and exceptional athletic ability helped him excel in every sport he tried: swimming, bicycling, backpacking, and the two sports he loved most – fly fishing and skiing – were enjoyed as long as he was able. But photography was also a passion and Steve's attention to detail and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary were special gifts.

Steve was born December 2, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Shirley and Hank Schowengerdt and his early years were spent in Overland Park, Kansas and Cumberland, Maryland, before the family moved to Salt Lake City and his life took root, attending Olympus Junior High, Olympus High School and then the University of Utah.

He had three successful careers following graduation from the U. of U. – each highlighting his mentoring skills: Deseret News (where he met the love of his life/wife, Sheryl) as copy editor, sports production editor, and Director of Pagination and Design; co-founder and editor in Chief of the Environmental News Network; and Computer Systems Manager for Rocky Mountain Hardware.

Steve was actively involved in alpine ski racing officiating, fishing, camping, biking, photography – many activities brought Steve pleasure and he never turned down the opportunity to enjoy a situation or experience.

When it was time for Steve to head out on the next phase of his grand adventure July 18, 2024, he was enveloped in the love of his wife, mother, siblings and their spouses. He is survived by his mother, Shirley; wife, Sheryl; "kids" Holly (Mike) Ferguson and Bret McBride; siblings Sharon (Rick) Holmer, Gregg (Connie) Schowengerdt, John (Lana) Schowengerdt; grandsons Michael Ferguson (Bea Guzman), Trace Ferguson, and Avery McBride; and some amazing nieces and nephews (and their spouses), three grand-nephews and six grand-nieces, plus all of his in-laws on Sheryl's side of the family.

Excellent medical care added years to his too-short life. The family would like to thank: Dr. Jessica Thibault (St. Luke's Cancer Institute), Dr. Benjamin Maughan (Huntsman Cancer Institute), HealthWell Foundation, St. Luke's Hospital Ketchum, Bill Boyce (Hospice of the Wood River Valley), the local EMTs, and St. Mark's Hospital in SLC and their hospice team. Special gratitude to Dr. John Hatzenbuehler.

There will be a celebration of Steve's life May 4th, 2025, at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City.

A longer tribute to Steve can be found at: tatemortuary.com/obituaries/