Steven "Steve" Walter Ringel, age 68, of Leavenworth, KS, died at his home on Saturday, October 29, 2022. A graveside service with military funeral honors will be held at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 18, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, between 1-4 P.M. at the Riverfront Community Center. All are welcome.
Steve was born on April 6, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas to Barbara and Walter Ringel. He was a proud member of the 435th Supply Squadron of the United States Air Force. Steve had a long, successful career as a painting contractor. His company "Ringel Painting" provided quality service throughout the Kansas City Metro Area.
Golf was Steve's passion. You would find him on the golf course with his friends every chance he got. When he wasn't playing golf, he was often driving past the golf course. He was respected by all who played with him. Steve kept all of his hole-in-one balls displayed in miniature trophy cases. Perched in its own case proudly sits a "#1 DAD" golf ball given to him years ago from his daughter, Maddie.
Steve is survived by his beloved family: Long-term companion, Traci Gordan; children, Steven (Kat) Ringel and Madeline (Seth) Gray; granddaughters, Amy and Tilly; brother, Mike (Beth) Ringel; sister, Barbara (Chris) Settele; five nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. Steve is predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Walter Ringel.
Steve was a beloved companion, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all.
First Impressions by Traci Gordon:
Steve was the most honest person I've ever known. Well, the white lie before we met doesn't count. We met online and our first date was at a nice little restaurant. I was so happy he did most of the talking. We got along so well that we forgot about time. And yet, something was bothering me. The guy sitting in front of me didn't quite match his profile picture and age. "Something is off," I said, "if you really want this date to continue you need to show me your driver's license." He smiled and said, "I like you," and handed the license to me. Steve had knocked a whole 10 years off his dating profile. At that point, it didn't matter. I was hooked and our long, love story began.
#1 Dad by Madeline Gray:
My dad was my safe place. It never mattered what state of mind I was in, I could always call him up and talk to him about anything in my life. He never tried to solve or fix my problems, he simply let me know I would get through it. He remained a steady rock and presence for me and let me find my own way. Over the past few years, Dad and I grew closer than we had ever been before. He'd call up and tell me what "mischief" he had gotten into that week or day. He found joy in catching people completely off guard with an inappropriate comment or joke. He enjoyed my subtle disapproval of the way he behaved. Someone had to keep him in line. Dad and I liked to talk about football. Every time I'd come to him with a new statistic he'd get so excited and exclaim "Wow! Really?!" He made me feel like everything I had to say was important. We had the best phone conversations. I'll never forget the sound of his voice at the other end of the phone saying "Hey Mad, what are you up to?" Our relationship was simple and strong. It was the little unspoken things he did that would show how much being a father meant to him. For instance, my dad would save all his prized hole-in-one golf balls in miniature trophy cases. Each one has the date and location recorded neatly. He was so proud of them. Many years ago I wrote "#1 DAD" on a golf ball and gave it to him as a gift. He placed it in its very own trophy case, next to the others. He loved to golf and he loved being a dad. I know he was more proud to be a dad because after all those years he still kept the "#1 DAD" golf ball in front of all the others. I hit the real hole-in-one with him as my dad.
Flowers are welcomed as are stories shared at the upcoming Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 19th from 1-4 P.M. at the Riverfront Community Center. If you have pictures of Steve you would like to be shared during the reception, please send them to ringelsteven@gmail.com.
Flowers can be sent to the Ringel-Gray Family at 29741 195th St. Leavenworth, KS 66048.