It is with immense sorrow that the family of Steven Michael Yagelski announces his passing on January 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with covid-19 and leukemia.
Born in Valparaiso, Indiana on June 3, 1951, Steven grew up in the neighboring town of Chesterton and later attended Indiana State University. Here, he crossed paths with Diane Spicuzza in their dorm lobby when she was desperately looking for a pair of pliers. Recognizing that this woman would need his help and guidance for many years to come, he used his charming wit, sense of humor and dazzling smile to make her fall madly in love with him. They married in August 1975 and, together, raised three daughters who would go on to embody their greatest attributes — “Dad’s silent standoff” mentality and “Mom’s no holds barred” spunk. These characteristics continue to prove useful anytime they need to negotiate pay raises, show their kids who the real boss is and determine whose turn it is to do the dishes.
Steven was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and known to family and friends as an avid lover of gardening/landscaping, country music and anything that involved his kids or grandkids. He never knew a stranger and whenever separated from his family at an event, festival or vacation, they would find him chatting away and making friends with someone new.
His family will remember him for all his solicited (and unsolicited) advice over the years, as well as his favorite “son of a b****!” saying when something wouldn’t go right in his workshop. They hope that he never heard all four of them giggling with delight upstairs, but if he ever did, they know it would have brought a smile to his face…eventually.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Diane; three daughters, Angela Smith (Kevin), Joanna Martin (Ned), and Margaret York (Tim); seven grandchildren, Noah, Evan, Lila, Olivia, Hudson, Harrison, and Sullivan; brothers, Jim (Lori) and Jerry (Sue); as well as numerous other family members, friends, and naysayers.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Yagelski and mother, Elizabeth A. Yagelski, who we know will be the ones to finally make the kolaches to his liking.
To ensure the safety of Steven’s family and friends, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.