Steven Heller
November 24, 1954 ~ August 15, 2013
Steven Bryce Heller was born Nov. 24, 1954 in Faulkton, SD the son of Milton and Arlene Heller, passed away August 15, 2013 in Sioux Falls.
A prayer service in Sioux Falls was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 22 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Faulkton with Pastor Tammy Craker officiating. Burial followed in the Faulkton City Cemetery.
He was raised on the family farm near Seneca, SD. He spent his summers working on the farm, showing 4-H livestock and playing baseball. In the 7th grade, the wrestling team needed “lightweight” wrestlers, so this was the beginning of the next 10 years of his life. He wrestled on the varsity wrestling team for Faulkton High School for 6 years. He was the state champion in 1972 and runner up in 1971 and 1973. These were also the same years that Faulkton won the State Championships in wrestling. During this time, Steve was able to go to Mexico with a team made up from wrestlers around the state for the SD/Mexico Cultural Exchange Program. Steve continued wrestling varsity for 4 years at USD. During this time Steve had the opportunity to wrestle in Hawaii twice and in numerous other states.
After college, Steve worked for EROS Data Center, Citibank and most recently at Sanford Technical Center.
Steve loved to waterski, scuba dive, ride his motorcycle and fly airplanes. Steve had a huge heart and a gift of gab. He would drop whatever he was doing to help out a friend or a friend of a friend of a friend. He would wave at everyone he drove past on the highway and talked to you if you stopped for a second on the street. Steve loved to learn, he was always reading and researching and wanting to make something work better. Steve’s best times were golfing with his buddies, going to NASCAR races and going to airshows.
Steve is survived by his siblings: Craig (Tanya) Heller, Ft. Pierre, Kim Vennard, Sioux Falls, Tom (Judy) Heller, Seneca; 11 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Arlene Heller.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a wrestling scholarship in Steve’s name that will be established at Faulkton High School. Memorials can be deposited at Dacotah Bank, Faulkton.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Steve's arrangements.
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Wow, what a terrfic guy Steve was! He and I have been close friends for 25 years,since the day I started in the department at Citibank in which he worked. Whenever he needed someone to vent to or just talk to, he would call. He was everybody’s friend, electrical helper, carpenter, plumber and anything else you needed. I am truly going to miss his phone calls and having lunch together. My prayers are with all the family for your loss.
Craig, Kim, & Tom
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Hoping you find some peace in knowing that he lived his life to the fullest. I remember Steve as just a nice, nice guy in school. I’ll be thinking of you in the upcoming days. Lori
Craig, Kim, Tom and families:
One can not help but struggle for a reason why a great man like Steve was taken from us so early. We must believe that he was needed more elsewhere. Perhaps your Mom and Grandma Jenny needed him more. You all meant the world to Steve. He will remain forever in your hearts. Let those memories give you strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May they comfort you. In deepest sympathy, Jeff and JoDee
Steve hired me into the database group at Citibank in 1997. His fantastic problem solving skills and ability to work effectively with just about anyone were overshadowed by his even bigger heart! God seems to always take the good ones too soon.
My husband and I both worked at Citibank for 25+ years and knew Steve and loved visiting with him. He was such a nice guy; we are shocked to hear he is no longer with us. Our condolences to your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s unexpected passing. We knew Steve from Citi and always enjoyed visiting with him. I also played coed volleyball with Steve and we always had so much fun. Steve will be missed here on earth, but no doubt he’s in a wonderful place. God Bless your family.