Stephen W. Yoder

Stephen William Yoder, age 64 of Granger, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, with his family by his side.  Steve was born December 17, 1957, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Myron “Mike” and Virginia (Moore) Yoder.  A graduate of Mishawaka High School, Steve went on to obtain his bachelor's degree from Franklin College and later a degree in design from the Illinois Institute of Technology.  On April 11, 1992, he married Debera Crane in South Bend, Indiana.  They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

Deb survives, along with their children Rebecca (Nathaniel Klump) Yoder of Mishawaka and Colin William Yoder of Plainfield, Indiana.  Surviving as well is his sister Nancy (Mark) Schuemann of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He is also survived by several dogs that he spoiled rotten daily.

There will be a celebration of Steve’s life at a later date.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola is assisting with the arrangements.

Steve was employed for the first thirty years of his working career as a property insurance inspector and for the last five years as a fire safety inspector with the Legacy Fire Inspection Company of Elkhart, Indiana.

When he wasn’t working, Steve enjoyed taking his family and friends fishing, cheering on USC and the Chicago Bears football teams and watching NASCAR and INDY CAR racing.  As a fan of auto racing, Steve attended the Indianapolis 500 numerous times throughout his life.  His love for cars didn’t end on the track.  Steve collected replica cars and Hot Wheels and could name nearly every make and model of car on the road today. He was also extremely proud of the other “love of his life”- his yellow Ford Thunderbird Roadster that he affectionately named “Trixie.”

He also enjoyed traveling with his loving wife Deb. Together, they travelled the US, visited Hawaii and had been to several countries throughout Europe.  His memberships include the Masonic Lodge and Granger Community Church where he and Deb attended since the early years of its existence.

Most of all, Steve will be remembered by his family, friends and co-workers as a man who had a fun personality and was an all-around good man.  In his memory, donations may be made online to the Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County https://www.ysbsjc.org/donate or by mail at 2222 Lincolnway West, South Bend, Indiana 46628.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Steve’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.