MOUNT VERNON – Stephen H. Doenges, 70, of Mount Vernon, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Steve was born to William and Frances Doenges on May 25, 1950, in Hamilton. He graduated from Hamilton Taft High School and received degrees in math education and music from Olivet Nazarene College. He married his college sweetheart, Karen Grace Kreider, in 1972. The family moved to Mount Vernon in 1978, where Steve joined the staff of Mount Vernon Nazarene College as the director of administrative computing. He served at what became Mount Vernon Nazarene University for 33 years, retiring in 2011.
The most important things for Steve were being a good husband, father and grandfather. He deeply loved his wife and especially enjoyed their trike rides and travels together after retirement. He guided his children into adulthood, supporting them on their various paths of life. He loved being “Papa,” having tea parties and playing in the stick house with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, kayaking and playing the trombone.
Throughout his life, Steve quietly and faithfully ministered the love of Jesus Christ by investing in the lives of others. He was not just a boss, but also a mentor to his employees. He went on mission trips to Nicaragua, Trinidad and China. As a member of Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, he served as teen Bible quizzing coach and Sunday School teacher for preschool children. He was instrumental in growing the Escape Zone, an outreach to the youth of Mount Vernon. We may never know how many lives Steve influenced.
Steve is survived by his wife Karen (Kreider) Doenges; children, Stephanie (Andrew) Diehlmann of Sunray, Texas, Ami (Darren) Workman of Mount Vernon and Aaron (Bryan Currie) Doenges of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Grayson and Emmilyn Workman; siblings, John (Mariellen) Doenges, James (Carol) Doenges and Ruth (Louis) Qussar; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call on Monday, Oct. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center at Foundation Park. The family requests that visitors wear face masks and social distance. There will be a private service for family and burial in Mound View Cemetery.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Stephen H. Doenges.
