Steven Leuntjens

Obituary of Steven Lee Leuntjens

Steven Lee Leuntjens, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly Moline, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, after losing a battle with lung cancer.

 

Steven was born Aug 23, 1949, in Moline, Illinois. Son to Betty Lou Moline and Gerard Edward Leuntjens. After graduating from Moline High School in 1967, Steven worked for John Deere for 8 years. Steven and his then wife, Janice, welcomed their first child, Grace Marie in 1976, and their second daughter, Stephanie Louise in 1979.

 

In 1983, Steven and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona. Janice and Steve were drawn to the climate and the beautiful desert landscape Arizona offered.

 

Steven pursued a variety of interests when he reached Tucson such as landscaping, concrete work, and taxi driving. Steven ultimately filled his desire to help others by working as an intake specialist at a local addiction treatment center. Developing relationships with struggling individuals typically judged by others brought Steve joy and pride.

 

Wherever Steve lived, potted plants followed. His knowledge and passion for cacti, roses, and plants of the desert variety made Steve the “guy to go to” when you had a plant question. Hundreds of seedlings potted in myriad containers (even old yogurt cups or Starbucks cups) littered his outdoor space. In addition to being the “plant guy,” Steven is also known by many as a quiet, humble, funny, shy, and kind man. He will be forever missed by family and friends.

 

Steven was predeceased by: his daughter, Grace Leuntjens, mother Betty, father Gerard, brother Michael, and his brother-in-law Perry Jacobs. Steven is survived by: daughter Stephanie Shupe, son-in-law Aaron Shupe, grandson Connor Shupe, ex-wife Janice Stayer, sisters Patricia Jacobs and Barbara Benson, step-sister Teena Rolands, and nephews Jeff Jacobs, Perry Jacobs, and Justin Benson.

 

Memorial will be held at Bring’s Broadway Chapel, Funeral Home: 6910 E. Broadway Blvd. #2803, Tucson, Arizona, 85710 on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5:30 PM.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven Leuntjens, please visit Tribute Store
Thursday
25
May

Memorial Service

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Bring Broadway Chapel
6910 E. Broadway
Tucson, Arizona, United States
520-296-7193
Share Your Memory of
Steven