Obituary of Steven Eugene Kornder

Steven “Korndog” Kornder passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2018 in his wife’s arms and his family nearby. He was 68.

Steve was born in Huron, South Dakota on April 13, 1950 to Phyllis Maxine Kornder and Donald Bernard Kornder. He was the first of eight children. He moved with his family to Riverton, Wyoming where he graduated high school in 1968. Shortly after high school Steve moved to Santa Cruz.

He took a job as an apprentice in a cabinet making shop, then became a general contractor. He saw a huge need for a stair builder in the Santa Cruz area and started Santa Cruz Stair. He was very meticulous and precise in his work and could never leave a job that HE would not be able to live with, in his own home.

Steve was an avid SF 49er fan. He loved golf and was a member of DeLaveaga golf club. In 35 years he never missed the annual Santa Cruz Stag Open golf tournament in Reno, Nevada. Steve loved the many family camping and boating trips to Lake Don Pedro.

Steve met and fell in love with Carla in 1994 and they finally married in 2005.

Steve is survived by his mother, Phyllis Kornder of Riverton, WY; his wife, Carla Kornder of Santa Cruz; his daughter, Keri Kornder (Dustin) of Granite Bay, CA; his sons, Thaddeus Kornder (Tabitha) of Riverton, WY, Phillip Kornder (Shalimar) and Cody Thompson (Magdalina) both of Santa Cruz.

He is also survived by brothers, Bernie Kornder (Jessica) and Johnny Kornder (Vicki) of Riverton, WY; sisters, Judy Fielder of Casper, WY, Cherrie Crippen (Tony), Jeanne Reece (Randy) and Jill Pendergraft (Chris) all of Riverton, WY and Laurie Pfarr (Jon) of Payson, AZ. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Donald Kornder and his brother-in-law, Emmet Fielder.

Please come join us for a celebration of life on Saturday September 29, 2018 at 12 noon at the Moose Lodge Santa Cruz #545, 2470 El Rancho Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Family, Friends and Food.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your favorite charity. To express you condolences or share a remembrance with Steve’s family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.