Stephen Roger Risch

Stephen Roger Risch

May 24, 1947-Dec. 1, 2025

On December 1, 2025, while being compassionately cared for, beside his loving ex-wife, Valerie (Hunsicker) Steinman, Steve, age 78, passed away peacefully after an extended illness. As a drag racing enthusiast he would say, “He just plain ran out of gas!”

The oldest of four children, born to the late Delmar and Lucille (Rasey) Risch of Marion, OH, Steve grew up on a 200-acre farm. The family was involved in planting and harvesting crops, alongside raising animals; a family dedicated to hard work! Along with fixing equipment, their life skills would provide the knowledge and character to serve them well as adults. Steve and his brothers always looked forward with anticipation to each hunting trip to Pennsylvania with their dad.

Steve’s younger sister, Connie Risch, created excitement with their mother in the kitchen yet could be seen helping Dad in the barn with the animals. She was a loving touch in many ways within the family.

Steve, a 1966 graduate of Ridgedale High School in Marion, was active in FFA, 4-H, and playing football/running track for the Rockets. Upon graduation, Steve was drafted into the United States Army; serving proudly as a Private First Class until being Honorably discharged.

Ready to embark on civilian life, Steve accepted a job at Tecumseh Products in Marion, dedicating 17 ½ years before the company closed down. During this time he married the late Christina (Isaly), together having two sons: Roger in 1969, and Scott in 1972, who sadly preceded him in passing. Steve later married Valerie (Hunsicker) in 1979; together having a son Keith Risch, in 1980. Steve left manufacturing for a long career as a dedicated semi driver for Anderson’s Trucking Service in Marion. He always looked forward to taking in the scenery of 48 states until driving local for Fetters and Sons Trucking; Steve took early retirement at age 62. As his son Keith picked up his trucking path, all three sons became very mechanically inclined and also found an interest in drag racing. While the three boys competed to be the fastest, their dad would always hold the lead. Steve always helped his boys advance in their skills. As a drag racer for many years, he took great pride in the two similar “Mercury Comets” that he drove.

With work and duties behind him, Steve not only held down the recliner watching OSU football and NASCAR racing, he also enjoyed car shows, go-cart racing, motorcycling, fishing and hunting.

Steve will be fondly remembered for his outgoing personality and jack-of-all-trades’ skills, often dropping whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand. He will be sadly missed by those he held close to his heart…”and stuff!” (Steve would tack that on to most of his sentences).

Steve is survived by son Keith Risch, grandchildren: Lauren (Andrew) Cummins, Kasey Jo Risch, Deana (Brent) Chevalier, and Levi Risch, great-grandchildren: Rowan, Paislynne, and Jaxon Cummins, Tinsley Cantrell, Lilly and Weslyn Chevalier, brothers: Joe (Janet) Risch and Ron (the late Terri) Risch, and sister Connie Risch. Ongoing remembrances shall continue for so many family members and friends.

Memorial services will be held June of 2026, due to arrangements that serve to gather all family and friends within the Prospect Street United Methodist Church followed by burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Marion. This final resting place is close to the old family farm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Steve Risch to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Bridge Hospice for the care and empathy they give in serving others.