Steven Walter von Marenholtz Obituary (1971

Steve was the fun brother, cousin and son. He was any child's uncle and it was not uncommon to see one or more children hanging off one of his arms or legs or both. He was a big kid at heart and even adults had to watch out if he was holding a super-soaker! On the somber side, he was the fix-it guy who you could count on to fix your computer, your car, or anything with mechanical issues. Steve could figure out how to make anything work. He tackled any project with gusto. As Maintenance Lead at the Port of Kingston, he designed many of the holiday lighting displays. Steve loved creating these displays, each year he would talk about what he was planning for next year. We all loved his illuminated slug with slime trail at the Port last year. This year he was talking about creating a gigantic illuminated whale for the Port - the bigger the better! He would get so excited when he found out what the lighting budget would let him add. The only son of Robert D. and Doris J. (Griffitts) von Marenholtz, Steve joined older sister Stacy on August 27, 1971 in Bellevue, Washington. The family spent many holidays skiing or swimming. Steve grew up in Pierce and Kitsap counties and moved to Dutch Harbor, Alaska while in his early 20's. He loved Alaska and worked as a Harbor Officer. Steve moved back to Kitsap County about 2007 and found work on the water, which he just loved. His dream job was with the Port of Kingston. He took personal pride in working there and brought his family to the annual lighting ceremonies. Often, friends and family from King County would take the ferry over and surprise Steve on the job. His beaming smile greeted familiar faces. He was a huge part of the Port family and loved people. Known as "Dutch" because he had come from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Steve actually held the hereditary German title of "Baron", the last direct male descendant of the Dieckhorst Line of the noble family. Steve had been named for his maternal great grandfather, Dr. Steve Melton, and his grandfather, Baron Walter von Marenholtz. His prized possessions included numerous coats of arms, sword, and family heirlooms from Germany. Steve is best remembered by his many cousins, nephews and nieces as full of energy and physically strong. He was like a seal in the water and at the annual family reunion could always be found at the local swimming hole. He was so at home in the water that it was a shock to discover that he had died in Wildcat Lake in Kitsap County. The family believes he might have had a cardiac event while swimming. It was Father's Day, June 16th, and Steve was off to swim at one of his favorite spots. His dad had passed away 2-1/2 years earlier. Steve is survived by his sister Stacy and her children, Sabin, Serin and Solin; his maternal aunt, Kay Coleman; and his step-mother, Margie von Marenholtz and her family. He had a close relationship with his many cousins and left many friends behind to miss his easy laugh and kindness. Memories will be shared at a memorial service to be held at the Port of Kingston on Sunday, June 30th at 10 a.m. Any and all guests still there by 2 p.m. will be asked to do clean up as Sunday was Steve's day off.