Stephen "Steve" L. Walkenbach

Stephen "Steve" L. Walkenbach, 77, passed away at his home in Jefferson City, Missouri on Friday, November 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Washington, Missouri on December 6, 1947, the son of the late Herbert & Nell (Stiers) Walkenbach. He was raised in Hermann, Missouri with his five sisters and four brothers.  

On June 13, 1970 he was united in marriage to Judy (Faes) Walkenbach, his loving and devoted wife of over 55 years.

After high school, Steve attended the University of Missouri-Rolla until he was drafted in the U.S. Army.  He served for three years at Fort Polk, LA in the Microbiology Lab and achieved the rank of SP5.  Following the service, Steve went on to earn his bachelor's, master's and specialist's degree from the University of Missouri.

Following graduation, Steve began teaching chemistry and math at Gasconade County R-1 Middle School and South Callaway R-1 Mokane Middle School.  He was later appointed middle school principal at South Callaway, a position he held for 28 years before retiring in 2003. 

Steve was an avid fisherman and hunter and found relaxation in spending much of his free time with family and friends doing the things he loved most.  His greatest motivation and love in life was his family.  In 2002, Steve was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  For the last 23 years he fought a hard, courageous battle, defying the odds to spend as much time with his family as possible.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Walkenbach; a daughter, Stephanie Allbritton (Tracy Shelabarger); two sons, Craig Walkenbach (Billie) and Chad Walkenbach; six grandchildren, Brooke Kotthoff, Andrew Allbritton, Carolyn Allbritton, Ryan Middaugh, Emma Walkenbach and Blayne Walkenbach; five sisters, Kathy Spearman (Eddie); Jane West (Jerry); LuAnn Richardson; Kris Toedtmann (Bart); and Vicki Puchta; three brothers, William Walkenbach (Claudia); Rick Walkenbach (Diane) and Mike Walkenbach (Janice); a brother-in-law, Bob Bracht; many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, his father & mother-in-law, Don and Gladys Faes, a brother, Dave Walkenbach, a sister-in-law, Brenda Bracht, a brother-in-law, Steve Richardson, and a nephew, Joe Bracht.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Church, Hermann, Missouri, with Father Philip Niekamp officiating. 

Burial will be at St. George Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be given to Hermann Hospital,  Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer or St. George Church.