Kovalenko, Stephen

Stephen Kovalenko, 29, of St. Louis MO, passed away November 3rd, 2021. He was born December 18th, 1991, in St. Louis Missouri, son of Ilya and Marina Kovalenko. He graduated from Fox Senior High School Class of 2010 and had received a degree awarded Certificate in Industrial Electronics & Automation from Jefferson College.

Stephen was the ninth of ten children. His siblings were his oldest friends, and he spent most of his free time with them, and he always made time to attend family events and gatherings.

Stephen was intelligent and had a very sociable personality. He was friendly and generous with all. He loved a good conversation, debating currents events, and discussion a great variety of subjects. Stephen was very sweet, caring, empathetic, and compassionate. He visited his friends and family and always made them feel that they are thought of and cared for. Being a child of God, he made it a priority to care for others, and it brought him joy to do so.

Stephen loved the outdoors. He went on countless adventures, often with his papa and brothers, including snowboarding, hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, white water kayaking, jumping off cliffs, and free-hand rock climbing, among others. He also loved to travel and explore new cities, landscapes, and meeting people everywhere.

Stephen was a skilled carpenter and craftsman. He frequently worked alongside his father and brothers. He most enjoyed landscaping, including creating intricate stone designs. Stephen loved planting and gardening and the feel of dirt on his hands.  He liked watching his handywork grow and add beauty to the landscape. He also often used his skills to help others, including elderly neighbors with projects around their homes free of charge. It gave him joy and purpose to help others in need.

Stephen loved his family, especially his mama and papa, and always told them he loved them. He was generous with this time and money, and always made sure to gift loved once on special occasions. Stephen loved his siblings, nieces, and nephews and made each and every one of them feel special. His nieces and nephews brought joy to his life, and he brought joy and warmth to them.  Stephen was happy to change dippers, give rides on four-wheelers, took the kids out to playgrounds and parks, and did backward flips to entertain them.  He and his other brothers enjoyed setting up big fireworks every 4^th of July; for themselves and also for the kids. He had a way with kids, and they dearly loved their sweet uncle Steve.

This is a tragic loss to all those lucky enough to have known him. Stephen is and always will be much loved and missed.

Stephen is survived by parents Ilya and Marina Kovalenko, siblings Angelina Kovalenko (Scott Rogers), Daniel Kovalenko (Nataliya), Timofei Kovalenko (Kristie), Matthew Kovalenko, Miroslava Kovalenko, Ilya jr. Kovalenko (Ada), Mark Kovalenko (Sarah), and Ethan Kovalenko, 5 nieces and 8 nephews as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Friday, November 12 from 5pm to 9pm.

Funeral Service will be held at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123, Saturday November 13th, 2021  at 11am.

Burial will follow funeral service at Shepherd Hills Cemetery located 1925 Old State Road M, Barnhart, MO 63012.

A Memorial Luncheon for family and friends will be held afterwards at Slavic Baptist Church 9525 Eddie and Park Rd. St. Louis MO 63126