Help Support the Steger Family in Their Recovery

Family is the most important aspect of life. I have always known this- but this statement became especially prevalent to me Wednesday afternoon (2/28/2024). Throughout my life, my father, Mark Steger, always pushed my brother and I to do our best in whatever we do. This was always through kindness and wanting to be the best father and husband he could be every day. My father was the most honest, noble, and selfless person you’d ever meet. Not only that, but he had so many passions. Daily, you could see my dad coaching my brother's basketball team, working out at 24-hour fitness in Beaverton, running, going on a hike, learning how to play the piano, cleaning every inch of the house, riding his bike, playing tennis, and in general, staying active. Dad never had any substantial health issues, which made his passing even harder because he had so much LIFE left to live. As the oldest daughter, my dad got to experience my high school graduation and send me off to college. I am a freshman at the University of San Diego, and my dad loved my school. He was so excited to see me succeed, and I can’t wait to make him proud every step of the way. As for my brother Neal, he will be a senior in high school next year and plans to play football in college, which my dad was more than supportive of, and I know Neal will make him so proud as well.

My dad was the foundation for our family, but my mother, Keara Steger, raised me and Neal to be the best humans we could possibly be as well. My dad worked every single day to give my mom the ability to stay home and be with us kids. Which I will forever be thankful for. My mom never bought anything for herself, and neither did my dad. They wanted to give every single penny to me and my brother. My brother and I are hurting deeply, but this tragedy has been challenging for my mom- through thirty-one years of marriage, my dad and mom truly showed what deep commitment, love, and trust a marriage could be; my brother and I always felt that to be true in our hearts.

Even if you haven’t met my father- through the stories we hold as a family, you would easily feel as if you knew him. My father's impact on various communities tells who he was as a person- a man full of passion and someone who wanted to make a difference in the world and in people's lives. He was a unique individual, and the world won’t be the same without him. I am so lucky to call him my father forever.

If you find it in your heart to help my family, even with just a kind message, prayer, or reaching out, we would all appreciate that so much during this period. Again, my mom never asked for anything, so I wanted to make this to not only support me and my brother but for my mother- to show how much support she has through this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Dad ❤️

Mark Steger

11/15/1965-2/28/2024