He was a simple man. Yet, his contagious spirit captivated the hearts of everyone he met. Steven Leonhard Lurtz was born on October 1, 1944 to Clarence John Lurtz and Nidra Schwarz Lurtz in O'Fallon, Illinois. He graduated from O'Fallon Township High School in 1962 and went on to obtain his Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Illinois and his Masters in Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. As an officer in the United States Air Force, Steve and his soul mate, Patricia Kavinsky Lurtz, explored the world together while living in Landstuhl, Germany and Athens, Greece where his beloved children Shannon Lurtz and Meghan King (Lurtz) were born.

When returning to his hometown, Steve loved sharing stories of his world travels and adventures. Steve was a businessman by trade, owning Cope Mobile Home. However, in retirement he found his new passion in teaching. Steve was an enthusiastic educator and used his creativity to inspire others. Additionally, Steve was an active member of the Rotary Club of O'Fallon and proudly served as president for two years. Although success was shown in all that he achieved, Steve was a very humble man.

Steve's loud voice and laughter "would awaken sleeping bears". He was a die hard Cardinals fan, Crown Candy's biggest ice cream aficionado, and a lover of music and the arts. For years, Steve appreciated attending the Saint Louis Symphony and the Muny. He balanced his life with baseball's "Go crazy" moments with listening to Stavinsky's "Rite of Spring".

Steve was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend. He was his family's biggest cheerleader and never missed a "game". Through his actions Steve taught his family the value of a dollar, the success of hard work, and the importance of family. We know that his legacy will live on in his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. We are grateful to have called him Daddy (Dad) and Papa (Grandpa). In addition to his wife and two children, Steve is also survived by his sister Susan (Mike) Cook; and his precious grandchildren Hanna Lurtz, Michael Lurtz, Kathrine Lurtz and Isabel King.

A celebration of his life will be held at Wolfersberger Funeral Home in the future. Details forthcoming.
Memorial donations in memory of Steve are suggested to " Friends of the O'Fallon Public Library " or " St. Louis Symphony Orchestra . " Donation checks may be sent to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL 62269

"It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live."
Les Misérables