Stephen J. Marling

Stephen J. Marling, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on December 8, 2024, in St. Louis, MO, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.
Stephen was preceded in death by his wife Joan (2009). He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Marling and Rachel (Michael) Marling, granddaughters Veronica and Vivienne, and siblings Karal Marling and Gregory Marling.
Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Stephen moved to St. Louis to attend college. He went on to adopt the city as his home, raising a family and building a vast network of friends and acquaintances. Stephen spent most of his career in the trucking and automotive industries, but also worked in education, primarily as a substitute teacher and tutor. Always generous with his knowledge, Stephen took great pride in helping others learn, succeed, or just find their confidence. He always had a funny story to relay to put people at ease.
In retirement, Stephen enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and loved ones on both coasts. He had a particular fondness for state fairs and auto racing venues. He was a lifelong hockey fan and a patron of the St. Louis Blues and more recently the Bakersfield Condors. He honed a strong green thumb, having taken up gardening with his late wife, and was a devotee and supporter of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Stephen was an avid reader who always had a good paperback to pass along.
He maintained a social circle that was as diverse as it was far reaching, with colleagues ranging from a few city blocks away to some spanning time zones and continents. Stephen often spoke fondly of his family and friends. He loved and valued each of them and the role they played in his life.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. The family looks forward to sharing stories, anecdotes and remembrances of Stephen as we mourn his passing, but also honor his life and legacy.
Services: Memorial and Celebration of Life for Stephen J. Marling
January 18, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm
Kutis Funeral Home [St. Louis city location]
2906 Gravois Rd., St. Louis MO 63118