Steve Unruh Obituary, Death – Steven Eugene Unruh, 62, Remembered for His Faith, Love of Family and Music
Steven Eugene Unruh, lovingly known as Steve, passed away on October 29, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. He was 62 years old.
Born on August 27, 1964, in McPherson, Kansas, Steve was the son of D. Eugene and Salome Loewen Unruh. His family moved to California in 1967, where he attended public school before completing his final year at River Valley Christian School in Glenn, California.
Faith remained an important part of Steve’s life. He was baptized on March 20, 1977, in Glenn, and his family expressed gratitude for the assurance of his salvation.
On April 28, 1985, Steve married LeAnn Joy Koehn in Lone Tree, Kansas. They shared 41 years of marriage and built a family together, raising three children. He was also known as Uncle Steve to many, reflecting the special place he held in the lives of relatives and those close to the family.
A Life Filled With Music, Family and Adventure
Singing was one of Steve’s lifelong passions. He spent years leading songs and recently found renewed inspiration in the idea of teaching music at school, an opportunity that brought him considerable joy.
He had a special love for children and enjoyed sharing his interests and talents with others. His family remembered him as someone whose presence extended beyond his immediate household, touching the lives of many people who knew him.
Steve also had a deep appreciation for nature. In his younger years, he enjoyed hiking, camping and fishing, particularly discovering creeks, rivers and waterfalls. He found excitement in exploring the outdoors and sharing the beauty of those places with others.
Food was another source of enjoyment. He was adventurous with different cuisines and often experimented with recipes at home, adjusting ingredients and flavors until he was satisfied. He especially enjoyed preparing meals and sharing his creations with family and friends.
Trucking remained his professional passion. Although he explored other occupations over the years, he repeatedly returned to work involving trucks, a field that continued to hold a special place in his life.
Family Connections and Memories
Steve’s family also remembered the meaningful years his parents spent as houseparents in the Newfoundland CPS unit. During their three-and-a-half years there, they cared for 19 young men, forming lasting relationships and friendships. Newfoundland remained one of the experiences his father frequently spoke about.
His death leaves a profound loss for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and many extended family members and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, LeAnn, of Ontario, Oregon; his children, Quenton and Abigail Unruh of Little Falls, New York; Joni and Kale Giesbrecht of Princeton, California; and Althea and Caleb Crider of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren.
Other surviving relatives include his siblings, Franklin and Karen Unruh of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania; Jeanette and Keith Koehn of New Plymouth, Idaho; and Delbert and Jennifer Unruh of Hazelton, Idaho. He is also remembered by his sister-in-law Becky and Calvin Dyck of Ballico, California; brother-in-law Howard and Regina Giesbrecht of West Valley, California; close family friend Fred Stocking of Oroville, California; and many other relatives and special friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Lauren, his sister Bonita, his niece SueVaun, his great-nephew Jonathan and his infant grandson Jefferson.
Remembering Steven Eugene Unruh
Steve’s life was shaped by faith, family, music, a love of the outdoors and a lasting passion for trucking. From his years leading songs to the meals he prepared and the relationships he built, he leaves behind memories that will remain meaningful to those who knew and loved him.
His family and friends will remember him with love as they reflect on his life and the many ways he brought joy and connection to others.