Stephen J. Kornberger, 83, of Affton, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28th. Stephen (Steve) was born on January 3, 1943, to the late Stephen and Agnes (nee Sikorski). He was preceded in death by his daughter Dorothy, sister Bernadette Wilson, brother-in-law John Robbins, sister-in-law Teresa Adams and bother-in-law Warren Adams, Sr.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anne (nee Kasper); children Joseph (Melissa), Paul, Thomas, and Rebecca (Jerid) Saffell; grandchildren Kristina and Layla Saffell, and Jacqueline Kornberger; sisters Antionette Dickenson, Pauline Robbins, and Jeanette LaVine; brother-in-law Larry Wilson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army followed by a 35+ year career as a non-destructive testing technician for Nooter Corp. and St. Louis Testing Laboratories, Inc. He shared his knowledge of hunting, fishing, woodworking, archery, camping, and hiking to many Boy Scouts as Troop Master of Troop 725 at St. Dominic Savio and Committee Chairman of Troop 821 at Affton Schools. His other hobbies included bowling, skeet shooting, and bicycling. Much to the dismay of his subjects, Steve was an avid photographer who enjoyed developing his own pictures and creating slide shows. Through this hobby, he amassed a collection of both antique and modern cameras. A proud moment for him was using his Super 8 camera to film the final piece of the Arch being placed. He may be best known for his delicious culinary endeavors, including cobblers, strudels, and multi-generational family recipes of Hungarian scones and German pork sausage. His day was not complete until he had his ice cream in any form, fashion, or flavor. There is no doubt where his children and grandchildren got their sweet tooth!
In retirement, he continued serving his community by volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and Affton Christian Food Pantry. He was most happy spending time with his grandchildren.
Family, friends, and all whose lives Steve touched are invited to gather at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel, located at 10151 Gravois Rd., Affton, MO 63123. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 3-8 PM. Funeral services will begin with a short prayer service on Tuesday, February 3 at 9:30 AM and process to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 7622 Sutherland Ave., Shrewsbury, MO 63119 for 10:00 Mass, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie Rd., Affton, MO 63123.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul at St. Michael’s, Affton Christian Food Pantry, or Masses preferred.
I’m Steve’s cousin and we spent hours and hours together as we grew up. We played corkball together, fished and hunted, enjoyed the many Danube German foods, stayed at our family clubhouse at Morse Mill on the Big river. When my wife Kathy and I married in 1966 I chose Steve to be my best man; then when Steve and Mary Anne married he chose me to be his best man. I’ve always admired Steve for his solid, enduring moral compass, his empathy and compassion for family and friends, and efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone he knew. I will miss Steve greatly, as will all who knew him.
Thank you ,Paul. Your words mean a lot to us.
He was more than my uncle, he was like a father in ways that I never fully undetstood until recent years. One memory that stands out to me is when he helped me create my first pinewood derby car. I learned a lot and will always cherish that time and many more.
He loved you like a son, Wayne. He was proud of you and was always glad to see you.
My most sincere condolences to all of your family. Mary Ann and I have been friends since 1951 Kindergarten! So happy she and Steve had 56 years together and raised a wonderful family. I know his loss will be hard for all of you.
Thank you, Nancy. You are a dear friend.
Thank you, Nancy. You are a dear friend.
Steve was my uncle, but he was so much more than an uncle. He always treated his nieces and nephews like his own children. He opened his home and heart to everyone. One Christmas I got a pretty dress and shirt from my parents. The whole family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa’s (Uncle Steve’s parents) and Grandma told me I looked like a princess. Uncle Steve went outside to get some flowers that vined on the porch railing and created a crown to put on my head and said “now you really look like a princess”. That’s who Uncle Steve was; always treating those he loved like a special person. I will miss him greatly.
This warms my heart Carrie. Love you.
This warms my heart, Carrie. Love you.
So sorry to read that Steve has passed away. My prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you Margaret. Need to get together this spring or summer. Hope you, Chuck and your family are doin well.
Thank you ,Margaret. Hope you, Chuck and your family are all doing well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Anne and the entire Kornberger family. Steve was a kind and caring gentleman and will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Patti and Dan. Steve always enjoyed being with you.
Steve was always kind and friendly. We’ll miss him waving as we drive by. Sad to lose such a wonderful neighbor. Our sincere condolences to your entire family!
Thank you all.
I am so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. I enjoyed spending time talking with him when I walked my dog in the neighborhood. He was always so kind and would stop whatever he was doing to wave at everyone who drove by. He would always ask about my kids and was truly interested in what they were doing. There were a few mornings that we ended up walking at the same time and would walk around the block together. I really enjoyed listening to his stories about his life. He will be missed by all of us who enjoyed his smile and wave as we drove by his house. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.
Thank You. Steve always enjoy seeing you walk your foster dogs.
Dear Mary Anne and family, We were shocked to learn of Steve’s passing when Donna was checking facebook. If we had seen an obit or heard by any other way, we would certainly have made a visit at Kutis and the Mass at St. Michael’s. Steve was a true friend and, as a life long Scouter, I valued his counsel and leadership at Troop 725 at Savio. We extend our most sincere condolences and we will keep Steve and your family in our prayers. Regards and best wishes always. Tony & Donna Dill
Dear Mary Anne and family, We were shocked to learn of Steve’s passing when Donna was checking facebook. If we had seen an obit or heard by any other way, we would certainly have made a visit at Kutis and the Mass at St. Michael’s. Steve was a true friend and, as a life long Scouter, I valued his counsel and leadership at Troop 725 at Savio. We extend our most sincere condolences and we will keep Steve and your family in our prayers. Regards and best wishes always. Tony & Donna Dill
Thank you, Tony and Donna. The obit was only on the Kutis website and Steve’s passing was sudden. I don’t think a lot of people from St Dominic’ are aware because so many now attend Seven Holy Founders. Thank you for your prayers.