Steven V. Cserepes

“When we treat people merely as they are they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be.” (Thomas S. Monson). These words embodied Steve’s philosophy about life and about people. He saw potential in everything and everyone and appreciated life for what it could be instead of what it merely was. And this philosophy inhabited his every action, thought, and deed. All who had the pleasure to know him felt inspired by his firm teaching methods, his kind encouragement, and his unwavering faith in others, in himself, and in Christ. Born on September 18, 1951 in Ketchikan, Alaska toJeanVernette Moe and Julius Michael Cserepes, and as one of nine, Steve is remembered as the best of brothers and best of friends. As a son, he was an example of family-centered love. His kindness, thoughtful attitude, and his compassionate behavior made him easy to talk to and get along with. His family-oriented nature influenced his every action and was the center of his life. He cared deeply for his siblings and his parents and tried to live in such a way that he always made them proud. He also knew how to have fun, as he’s remembered for his sense of adventure and sense of humor. He could make you laugh and his antics could and would leave you shaking your head at his bold, adventurous spirit. In short, he brought life and laughter into the lives of his parents and siblings. Steve’s influence, love, and inspiring nature also extended into his military and professional life as well. He entered the Navy on July 7, 1969 and diligently worked his way up the ranks, making a name for himself as a hard-working, and determined individual. He lived the philosophy of “doing it right the first time” and pushed himself to understand every facet of engineering, mechanics and naval protocols (consistently scoring in the top 1% in all his endeavors). Many who knew him and worked with him personally held Steven (Or Mr. C. as he was often known) in the highest esteem, declaring him the “best man”, “A great boss and friend”, “A straight shooter”, “tough but fair”, a “sailor who actually knew what he was doing”, and “the person who lived out the term ‘shipmate’”. Serving during the Persian Gulf War, Steve was no stranger to the inherent dangers of the job, but he lived out the motto, “Not for self but country” by serving and assisting others and fulfilling his duties with the highest degree of excellence and integrity. He faithfully served his country until January 1, 1992 having reached the rank of Lieutenant, though his association with many who knew him in the military followed him into his private career as a Chief Marine Engineer. As a husband, Steve is fondly remembered as a best friend, confidante, and partner in crime. Married for 46 years to Debra-Lynn, the two of them grew up together, their houses positioned across the street from one another. Married young, and with Steve’s career in the Navy, their youth turned to experience, as they travelled the world together, and their love was rooted in a deep friendship and respect for one another as children entered their lives. Steve always placed the needs of his wife before himself and sought every opportunity to ensure her welfare and happiness. Steve and Debra faced many hardships and trials together but did so with a firm conviction in the sanctity of their relationship as husband and wife. He worked hard to provide for their family, but he also worked to make her smile, to treat her with respect, and to show her unconditional love, often making jokes, or serenading her with some of their favorite songs. Their relationship was so close, and so filled with love, they even started to finish one another’s sentences. Steve was and is Debra’s “knight in shining armor” and an eternal companion and “sweetheart”. His children were also blessed to have a father of his caliber. He knew how to make you laugh, knew how to have fun, and knew how to shower them with compassion and love. His children remember him as the best of men, the best example of a diligent worker, and an inspiring image of what a true, loving father could and ought to be. Though his job often took him away from home for months at a time, his children always looked forward to his return because when he was home, he was fully invested in spending time together. They often went exploring, camping, or watched favorite movies. Trivial Pursuit was a particularly fun game they played together (though he ALWAYS beat everyone) and soccer was a favorite sport they’d play with their dad (even if he was a bit of a cheater at it). Steve also took the time to teach his children valuable life lessons and skills and ensured that each of his children understood how important and irreplaceable every one of them was to him. He loved their individual personalities and declared that all of his children were his heroes, celebrating their personal successes and declaring himself the luckiest dad to have so many inspiring children. In times of triumph or sorrow, he was there. His family was his number one priority and his children always understood that he would do absolutely anything for them. Though Steve considered himself a simple man, his influence and his Christ-like compassion touched many. He truly exemplified the life of a disciple of Heavenly Father and was firm in his convictions of the Atonement and eternal families. He strived to live his faith every day and treat others in a firm but loving manner. He served quietly, unassumingly, and never expected recognition for any act of kindness or love he bestowed on others. His quiet goodness bled into every facet of his life and his memory has touched and continues to touch those who had the good fortune to know him. Steven Victor Cserepes is survived by his wife Debra-Lynn, and his children: Steven Jr.; Joseph (Annie) Cserepes; Kristin (Joshua) Maddux; Annaliese (Ryan) Ferguson; Timothy (Amanda) Cserepes; Elizabeth Cserepes; Kaleigh (Jonathan) Spooner; Andrew Cserepes; Daniel (Darla) Cserepes); Benjamin (Jessica) Cserepes; Jacob (Donna) Cserepesand Ashleigh (Chandler) Mowbray,as well as numerous grandchildren, his sweet mother Jean Cserepes, and siblings: Jerry, David, Carolyn, Debbie, Janice, Cheryl, and Susan. He is preceded in death by his father, Julius, and his elder brother Thomas Bennett Cserepes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Steve’s name.

Steven V. Cserepes

September 18, 1951 - July 29, 2018