Stephen Gregory Deitch

Steve had been called by home by our Heavenly Father on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. He passed away while on vacation with his family of natural causes.

He resided with his family in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was born in Lansdale, Pa., on April 30, 1962, to Dr. Joseph Edward and Jean Alison Deitch. He grew up and attended elementary school in Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Md., on June 7, 1981. After graduating, he worked as a cook at various businesses like Alfalfa's Restaurant, William Penn Inn Restaurant and Broad Street Bistro, to name a few, all in Pennsylvania. He later enlisted in the military; entry into active duty was March 27, 1984, into the Navy in Philadelphia, Pa. Stationed where separated on the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) at Norfolk, Va., completing four years; date of separation was May 31, 1988. He immediately re-enlisted on June 1, 1988, for another six years, He served in the United States Navy for 10 years. He was honorably discharged from United States Navy and received honors of Battle Efficiency Ribbon (2nd Award). He loved the seas and loved what he had done and was very proud to have served our country.

He moved to Idaho in 1994 with his family he had gained while in the Navy. He had worked for Terry's Heating and Air conditioning as an electrician. He worked there for 10 years while taking classes and completing the course of microcomputers and microprocessors with highest honors and received his diploma on Feb. 18, 1998. After working with Terry's, he gained employment with Mickey's refrigeration in Jerome and worked with him for two years. During this time, he separated from his previous family and met the love of his life, Stacy, in May of 2004 and a year later they decided to marry. Steve and Stacy were married June 18, 2005, and were blessed with a baby boy Oct. 6, 2005. Devon Joseph Deitch was born and brought much happiness to the family. After the birth of his son, his wife developed complications and Steve stayed beside her day in and day out and took care of his wife and son with the help of other family members.

During this time, he developed a heart condition, cardiomyopathy, along with hypertension he had for many years. Steve and Stacy were both disabled at the time of his passing and neither worked. They took care of one another along with the family. Steve was a guy with a big heart and loved his family very much. His son was the shining star of his life. Steve was very family oriented; they would do things together all the time. He always loved to cook and never wanted to do it as a job. He did it because he loved his boy. Devon was Steve's tail; he would do everything with his dad and loved to teach him things. He always considered himself very lucky to have met Stacy and share in the lives of their four sons. He was a dad to each and every one of them in his own special way.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Lynn Deitch; his boys, Devon Joseph Deitch, Taylon Evan Smith, Bradley James Sope (Amanda Jones) and Eric Anthony Sope; and his daughters, Michelle Deitch Drought (Peter Drought) and Stephanie Deitch; and a grandson, Garrett Drought, all from Twin Falls, Idaho; his brothers, Jeffrey (Debbie) Deitch of Pennsylvania and Joseph Edward (Elaine) Deitch of Pennsylvania; and a sister, Nancy O' Leary of New Hampshire. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Joseph Edward; and mother, Jean Alison Deitch, both from Lansdale, Pa.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Aug. 28, in Owyhee, Nev. (Information: 404-9804).