Steven Lynn Engelhardt, 70, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2025.
Steve was born on January 31, 1955, in Norton, Kansas, to Charles “Archie” and Mildred (Bantam) Engelhardt. He grew up in Long Island, Kansas, and graduated from Northern Valley High School in 1973. He went on to attend Fort Hays State University and later began working for the university’s Farm Crops Division, where he dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring in 2010.
After his retirement from the university, Steve moved to Hiawatha, Kansas, where he worked for Hemisphere GNSS and later for Summit Truck Bodies. He officially retired again in 2022—but true to form, returned to part-time work at Hemisphere GNSS just a few months later, eventually wrapping up his time there in April 2025.
Steve was known for his hands-on spirit and his uncanny ability to fix or tinker with just about anything. His favorite pastime was riding his motorcycle with friends and taking in the beautiful Kansas countryside. He developed many close friendships in Hiawatha and cherished the time spent with those who became like family.
Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted father who was always there to listen and offer sound advice. He took pride in passing his wisdom on to his children and grandchildren and always had a “dad joke” at the ready. He was the kind of grandpa who would drive long distances to attend a special event, no matter how small, just to show he cared. He is survived by his daughter, Miranda Lynn Engelhardt Abate, and her husband, Tim Abate, of Belton, Missouri; his son, Devin Cole Engelhardt, and his wife, Brittany, of Peculiar, Missouri; and his beloved grandchildren: Olyvia, Thomas, Gianna, Cale, and Adalynn. He is also survived by his former wife, Patricia Englert of Belton, Missouri; his brother, Delwyn Engelhardt and wife Diane of Temple, Texas; his sister, Colette Craig of Topeka, Kansas and lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Almena, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com