Obituary: Stephen “Steve” Zeltwanger, 72, Canisteo

Stephen “Steve” Zeltwanger, 72, loving husband, brother, and uncle, went to be with the Lord Friday afternoon, 7/19. He passed away surrounded by his loving family. Steve grew up in Canisteo, NY and attended Canisteo Central School, where he was an avid wrestler. After graduating high school Steve received his associates degree in carpentry from Alfred Tech in Wellsville, NY. He was a master craftsman. Steve was in the army and served in Germany. Steve married the love of his life, Debbie Wood, and they have shared 49 wonderful years together. Their love for each other was something most dream of having. You rarely found the two apart. Steve was so grateful for his home and land in Hartsville that he was blessed with every day. During the summer he found a lot of joy being outdoors. Whether it was chopping wood, or tending to his garden that provided year round vegetables after canning and freezing–or helping his wife with her flower beds and other outdoor projects. The fall provided beautiful views that he enjoyed from his front porch as well as plenty of acres to hunt on. In the winter you could find him alongside his brother helping in the meat shop that they ran for nearly 40 years, or up in his shop working on whatever project someone had come up with for him. He was always willing to make happen any idea Debbie had for Sunday School, like “hey, honey, will you make me a whale that the kids go inside of, or will you make a 40’x40’ Noah’s ark in the pavilion at Chambers Wesleyan Camp?” The answer was always “yes.” He would say it was scary when she said, “I have an idea.” Steve rarely told anyone no and was always willing to give without expecting anything in return, a truly selfless man.

Steve was predeceased by his mother and father, Robert and Dorothy (Kring) Zeltwanger, and sister Judy (Doug) Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife Debra (Wood) Zeltwanger, brother William (Kim Marvin) Zeltwanger, brother-in-law Marvin (Betty) Wood, nephew Kurt (Kristen) Zeltwanger, nieces Ashley Zeltwanger, Lisa (Billy Drake) Zeltwanger, Staci Zeltwanger, Kelly Jones, and Kari (Rich) Buch.. As well as great nieces and nephews William and Parker Drake, Oaklynn and Kylan Zeltwanger, Bristol Marren, Abby Jones, and Ally and Jon Buch.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday July 23 from 3-5pm at Brown and Powers funeral home in Canisteo, NY. The Funeral service will be held Wednesday July 24 at 10am at Canisteo Wesleyan Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canisteo Wesleyan Church.