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Stephen-Schoemehl

In Loving Memory

Schoemehl, Stephen P.

 

 

 

 

Of St. Louis, Missouri, 70, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2021, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. He left this earth the way he lived, surrounded by his insane, loud and loving family after a life lived to the fullest every day. Now his surviving family members and abundant friends hope to carry on his spirit in their lives.

Steve was preceded in death by Big Fred, his stern, but loving father, and his sweet mother, Virginia. He leaves behind many loved ones: his adoring wife, Cynthia (Hatala), whom he loved madly, and his children, Jessica and Nathan (Terra), whom he cherished no matter how many times they drove him mad. He was the proudest Paw Paw to his grandchildren who admired him ever so much: Olivia, Ethan, Conner and Bryce. Steve also was a wonderful brother to Sue (Jim) Stewart, Chris (Sue), and Timothy (Mary), and brother-in-law to Diane (Chris) Smith, Karen (Bob) Barden, and Ed (Sheila) Hatala. Numerous nieces and nephews were grateful to call him Uncle Steve and an abundance of friends treasured him.

Whether Steve knew it or not, he enjoyed serving, representing and advocating for others. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was deployed to Korea as a medic in a MASH unit. He did not expect to survive the war he described as true hell, but true to form, he did. Steve was very proud and extremely humble about his service to our country. Most of those who knew him never knew he was a Vietnam Veteran.

The IBEW runs deep in the Schoemehl family blood. Electrified by that tradition, Steve was initiated into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1 after returning stateside in 1972. He progressed through the IBEW/NECA Apprenticeship Program to become an exemplary journeyman electrician. After proudly signing his work with his full name, home phone number and “any problems, call” for years, he transitioned to serving fellow IBEW members, starting in the late 1990s as an IBEW Local 1 Organizer and Business Agent and later, as Recording Secretary.

After appointment as Business Manager, he was elected Business Manager by IBEW members in 2001 and served until retiring in 2011. In 2005, Steve added duties as Representative of the 5th District for the IBEW International Executive Council. Humbled by his selection for this important post, he strived to leave his mark over the next six years. Steve truly cared for the lives of thousands of members and their families while also working to ensure long-term union competitiveness through the skills, work ethic and productivity of IBEW members.

Steve served his community through dedicated service on many boards and committees. He was on the Joint Labor-Management Committee, the United Way Board of Directors, the St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Board, and the PRIDE of St. Louis Executive Board. He was recognized for his service to others with many awards: St. Louis Port Council Man of the Year (2004), the St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council Labor Man of the Year (2006) and the Andy Owens Community Service Award (2008). Jan. 26, 2006 was Stephen P. Schoemehl Day in St. Louis by proclamation of former Mayor Francis Slay.

 

It may sound as though Steve was all work and no play. But his extraordinary energy powered a very full and triumphant life. Steve loved to party with friends and family – the more, the merrier. “Steveo” loved to jam to his music cranked up loud, with one of his best friends, Tito’s. He always found time to be with his family – having fun, laughing and partying.

While Steve loved a good party, he also needed to recharge and relax. His great passion for fishing led to making his own lures, which requires melting lead. His daughter was similarly fascinated and even though she burned him every time with the blow torch, he let her keep practicing, accepting the torture. Another tradition of Steve’s was fishing with his son, brothers, grandkids and friends. He loved teaching the proper way to do everything. For him, nothing was worth doing if you didn’t do it right. His family shares a love of fishing because of him.

Along with fishing, Steve was at his happiest while on the lake with his wife and family. The thrill of the sun on his face, hair whipping in the wind, flying across the lake in their beloved boat, trying to “Race the Sun” was his preferred way of life.  Norfolk Lake was his refuge, but not for solitude, for his joy expanded there when surrounded by friends and family.

Steve took pleasure in cultivating his avid appreciation of all kinds of art. He supported and encouraged many artists in their endeavors. He especially enjoyed collecting glass art and took pride in creating his own glass art displays. Who knew? Steve became an ordained minister with the American Fellowship Church in 2019 so he could officiate at his niece’s wedding. Humbled to be chosen for such an important life decision, he put his all into it. There was no end to his research and writing for that one. He gave his all to any speech he made for he loved to lecture (and inspire) other people.

Stephen P. Schoemehl was many things, but most of all, he was our beloved husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, uncle and friend. His death creates a canyon size hole in our hearts and lives. As Freud said, “The loved ones left behind must pay dearly for the happiness they have known.” We will never forget this remarkable man and will love and miss him til the end of time. Our fondest hope is what Steveo said himself, “See you on the flip side.”

Private burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Lung Association. A service of KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL.

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6 thoughts on “Schoemehl, Stephen P.”

  1. I was so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Such a kind and always funny guy. Met him back in the 70s when he was a proud new daddy. He worked hard and played hard. He is now your guardian angel and always in your hearts. My condolences.

    Reply
  2. I was so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Such a kind and always funny guy. Met him back in the 70s when he was a proud new daddy. He worked hard and played hard. He is now your guardian angel and always in your hearts. My condolences.

    Reply
  3. Rest In Peace my friend. I take extreme pleasure in saying I was a friend of Steve Schoemehl. Love you and I will miss you

    Reply
  4. Rest In Peace my friend. I take extreme pleasure in saying I was a friend of Steve Schoemehl. Love you and I will miss you

    Reply

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