It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Robert Benschoter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Steve passed away on Friday November 8, 2024, at his home in rural Bloomdale, OH. He was born July 6, 1964 in Bowling Green, OH to Robert and Peggy (Knepper) Benschoter.
Steve married Tamala Ridley on November 11, 1989 in Rudolph, OH, and together they built a home of love and laughter where they welcomed and raised their three daughters, who were the light of his life.
Steve was employed by Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC, formally S&D Application LLC, where he worked tirelessly for 42 years, from the companies beginning, working alongside his father ensuring the company’s early success, and continued his dedicated employment to present day, where he made many friendships throughout the NW Ohio farm community and beyond.
Steve was a 1982 graduate of Elmwood High School.
Steve was the very best girl dad. His greatest joy was time spent with his daughters, supporting them in their various activities growing up; dance recitals, cheerleading, FFA, but especially loved the years dedicated to softball, watching and coaching his daughters and their friends. In recent years, the next generation of girls, Penelope and Grace stole his heart, and Paw Paw was his favorite role.
Steve was a man of the outdoors, and enjoyed anything from working on his chainsaws to shooting clay pigeons. He was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes football and the Cincinnati Reds.
Surviving are his loving wife of 35 years, Tami, daughters Marissa (Garret) Euler, Miranda (Bryan) Joseph, and Makenna Benschoter (Nick Stearns), Mother Peggy Benschoter-Kagy, Sister Carla (Dennis) Rinearson, Brother Mike Benschoter (Earlene Broadwater), Grandchildren Penelope, Payton, Parker Joseph, Grace Euler, and his nieces and nephew; who will all carry on his legacy of kindness, hard work, loyalty, and love for family.
Preceded in death by his Father Robert ‘Bob’ Benschoter, Father-in-law Richard Ridley, Grandparents Dean and Ada Benschoter, and Ralph and Nola Knepper.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Elmwood FFA Alumni Association.
Visitaiton will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green. The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The interment immediately follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Wayne, Ohio.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
