In Loving Memory of Stephen Daniel Berkstresser
July 20, 1973 – July 27, 2025
Stephen Daniel Berkstresser, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Steve lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and kindness. Steve was born with Spina Bifida and faced extraordinary medical challenges—including 52 surgeries—he remained a source of encouragement and love to all who knew him.
Steve was a 1991 Graduate of Tri-City Christian High School. He earned an Associate of Science in Civil Engineering from Johnson County Community College and attended Kansas State University for Architecture. He worked at Worlds of Fun in high school, and at Van Deurzen and Associates, PA as a CAD Draftsman after college. A proud member of the Ford Galaxie Club of Kansas City, Steve had a passion for vintage tools, appliances, and collecting & building model cars.
Faith was central to his life. Steve accepted Jesus as his Saviour at a young age and was baptized alongside his siblings in 1987. As an adult, he was a devoted member of Lee’s Summit Bible Church. Steve found joy in the church choir and especially in participation in the Christmas Cantatas.
He will be remembered for his gentle heart, steadfast faith, and ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved.
Steve is survived by his father, Don Berkstresser, and wife, Barb (Lee’s Summit, Missouri); his siblings Rob and fiancé Diana Cabra-Meyer (Pompano Beach, Florida), John Berkstresser (Burlington, Texas) and Deborah Cook and husband Alan (Pleasant Hill, Missouri); nieces and nephews -Amanda, Brandi, Christina, Alexandra, and William. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Janice Berkstresser (Lee’s Summit), and his grandparents Warren and Esther Berkstresser (Sedalia, Missouri), and William and Vivian Hayes (Merrillville, Indiana).
The family of Stephen Daniel Berkstresser will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Lee’s Summit Bible Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Lee’s Summit Bible Church with Pastor Jim King and Pastor Caleb Calton officiating. Casket Bearers will be Rob Berkstresser, John Berkstresser, Alan Cook, William Cook, Elijah Robinson, Ryan Shanahan, Steve Aholt and Dennis Hodges.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City or Lee’s Summit Bible Church.
Steve will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
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