Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
November 7, 2012


Steve Troester

On Friday November 2, 2012, Steve Troester gracefully ended his passage through this world into a place that we will only know when we have arrived ourselves. We can be assured that when we do, he will have a cold beer and a warm meal waiting for us, and we can enjoy the presence of this amazing man once again. Known for his compassionate nature, his playful spirit, and his genuine love for people, he will be missed dearly by those who love him and the communities he served. 

Steve was born in December 1954 in Brighton, Colorado. He was truly a world citizen having lived and worked extensively in Africa, Asia and South America. He was fluent in French, Spanish, Portuguese and English, and was an aspiring genius of gibberish. His ear for language was also put to good use in picking up the nuances of friends' speech, and those of you who knew him well may be surprised to know how spot-on he was with his endearing impersonations of you! 

Steve had an unwavering Christian faith and ethic that informed his interaction with the people and the world around him. He was as equally at home in the company of accomplished professionals as he was with the poor and those living in the margins of our society. Over his years in Chico, he could be found serving breakfasts at the Jesus Center, dinners at the Torres Shelter or sharing a sandwich and conversation on a park bench with a homeless friend. 

Since arriving in Chico in 1986, Steve has served on the Board of Directors for the Torres Homeless Shelter, Lucian Manor senior housing, CHIP, and Habitat for Humanity. He also Chaired the American Red Cross Volunteer response to the 1995/96 flood in Chico. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving on their Church Council, Chairing their Worship and Music Committee and mentoring Junior High Youth. 

There was no greater pleasure in life to Steve than to spend time with his boys, Jacob and Quin, and his wife, Marge who are grateful to have been a part of the legacy of his well-lived life. His spirit lives gratefully in the hearts of those he touched, though his laughter and dimpled smile will be missed more than words can express. 

His family invites people to join in celebrating Steve's life on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 667 East First Avenue across from Bidwell Perk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Torres Shelter, the Shalom Clinic, or to the Kagitumba Church in Rwanda via Faith Lutheran Church.