Steven L. Hershberger

March 17, 1964 - June 12, 2008
GOSHEN - Steven Lynn Hershberger, 44, died in Puerto Viejo de Limon, Costa Rica, on June 12, 2008, attempting to assist a struggling swimmer while on a high school Spanish tour. Steve resided at 515 E. Waverly Street in Goshen. He was born on March 17, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Miriam (Miller) and David Hershberger. The family moved to Versailles, Missouri, in 1977. After graduating from Versailles High School in 1985 Steve went on a life-defining mission trip with YES (Youth Evangelism Service) in Europe. He then returned to the U.S. and graduated from Hesston College in 1987 and from Goshen College in 1990. Steve began his career as a high school teacher at Argos High School in 1990 where he taught English. He then worked as resident director and speech teacher at Hesston College from 1991-1993. He began teaching at Fairfield High School in the fall of 1993. He taught at Fairfield for 14 years with a one-year intermission at Hesston High School, Hesston, Kansas. At Fairfield Steve taught high school English, math, science, speech and drama. He was the English department chairperson. Steve also was an assistant girls tennis coach. He was known for his ability to work with students at all levels in creative ways. He also was known as the "white shirt and tie" teacher and he wore a different tie every day of the school year. Steve loved reading, traveling, teaching and being with people. He traveled extensively across the world, often chaperoning high school tour groups. He had traveled to every continent except Antarctica. He enjoyed classical music, films, art and ethnic food. A favorite place Steve loved to take his parents and visiting friends was downtown Chicago where they would take in the entire range of Chicago culture. His strong faith in God was exhibited in every aspect of his life. Surviving are his parents, David and Miriam Hershberger, Sarasota, Florida; his sister, Diane (Hershberger) Bontrager, (husband Jim Bontrager), McPherson, Kansas; and nieces, Megan Bontrager and Shelby Bontrager, and nephew, Tyler Bontrager; his grandparents, Paul and Malinda Hershberger, Sarasota, Florida, and Omar Miller, Kalona, Iowa. Friends may call Wednesday, June 18, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, C.R. 35. A memorial service will be held on June 19th at 10:30 a.m. in Clinton Frame Mennonite Church. Burial will be at Kalona, Iowa;, date to be determined. Memorials should be directed to Fairfield High School "Dollars for Scholars."