Stephen Joseph Koehl

Stephen Joseph Koehl passed away peacefully Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was predeceased by his mother, Patty Koehl, his father, Joseph Koehl, and his sister, Lisa Murphy. Steve is survived by two sisters, Cheryl Garrett and Amy Koehl, who loved him very much. After Lisa’s passing in 2004, Steve took in her three daughters as his own: Brittany Stewart, Ashley Wever, and Andrea Duncan (Wever), who all survive him. Although raising three teenage daughters by himself was often challenging, Steve often said later that they saved his life. He is also survived by Lucas Bailey, whom he helped raise when he was a young boy and considered a son, and Danielle Ellis, who Steve considered a daughter. Steve laid the foundation for many things that became important to each of those he considered his children and was a stable constant in all of their lives when they needed him. He gave the greatest hugs and was always there to give advice or to say “I’m proud” or “I believe in you.” He would have done anything for any one of them. As great as his love was for his children, Steve loved his grandchildren even more: Brittany’s children, Tristan and Piper, Andrea’s children, Hayden, Ariel, Grayson, Raven, and Jason, and Danielle’s children, Sophia-Jean, Jordyn, Marley, Aurora, and Roland. Sophia-Jean and Jordyn adored their “Pop Pop,” a name Steve came up with because of how much CocaCola he drank. Steve loved being a grandpa! He never missed a baseball game, play, or other event in any of their lives if it was in his power. He loved to support them in their interests and their times of need, to have them all around for holidays, and to take them to fun new places, such as GoKart racing or snake shows. Steve was an accomplished and successful Electrical Engineer, maintaining several professional certifications throughout his career. He was often contracted both out of state and internationally, completing jobs in Canada, Germany, and Italy. Later in his career, Steve started his own company where he continued to successfully contract with large and small companies alike, including The Herald Times and Budweiser. In true engineer fashion, Steve was quick to take something apart and fix it before submitting to buying a replacement. Steve loved what he did. Even in retirement, he scarcely turned down a job. He was an engineer inside and out. If he couldn’t take something apart himself, he just needed someone nearby who he could instruct. You could be sure he would be right there looking over your shoulder, helping, but wishing he was doing it himself. Steve did not like being fussed over but he was good at fussing over the ones he loved. He loved teaching and sharing his interests with others, and creating traditions. He was known for his love of fun, his fierce (and sometimes stubborn) independence, love of classic rock and concerts, and unshakable love for his family. Steve was young at heart and loved hosting parties and get togethers. A favorite among the crowd was Steve’s annual Super Bowl party! He also spent many summers taking friends and family out on the lake in his boat and attending the Indianapolis 500 and its Carb Day. Steve viewed these events as memory makers and wanted to share them. He saved every ticket to every race, event, and concert he went to. He leaves behind many close, truly lifelong friends who shared in these experiences with him. Among those missing Steve is Otis, Steve’s canine companion. Otis was truly man’s best friend, always by Steve’s side. Steve cared for his dogs as family and never met a dog he didn’t love. He would frequently dog-sit for family and friends, hoping he’d get to keep the dog forever. He strongly felt that every child needed a dog in their life, and even gifted a pair to some of his grandchildren after the loss of their late and loved dog, Tubbers, whom Steve also cared for. Steve wished to be cremated and to have his and his late dog, Buddy’s ashes spread together in the ocean off the coast of Key West, where he frequently vacationed with family and friends. Steve’s family intends to honor these wishes. Key West was one of Steve’s favorite destinations and he often spoke of moving there and owning a boathouse when he retired. Per Steve’s wishes, there will be a wake at his home to celebrate his life with those he was close to. The family asks that flowers not be sent. Instead, please consider donating to the Bloomington Animal Shelter in his name, where he rescued his beloved Buddy and Otis. Steve’s support, deep love, and contagious belly laugh will be very missed.

Tributes

Stephen Joseph Koehl

March 12, 1960 - July 7, 2024