Stephen John Wempe

Stephen John Wempe (“Steve”, “Wemp” or “Pudge”), 75, passed away surrounded by family in his home in Littleton, Colorado, on May 11, 2025. He was born on October 21st, 1949, in Seneca, KS, to Arthur E. Wempe and Katherine (Quinlan) Wempe. 

Steve graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School in 1967. Steve lettered in football and was an outstanding running back. He was the only person who could tackle John Riggins. He enjoyed softball no matter where he was, and playing golf, cribbage, and pool. 

He joined the Air Force on October 30th , 1967, and attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he studied to be a Vietnamese Linguist. He graduated top of his class as an honors graduate. From there, he went to Vietnam for the remainder of his service. Steve was honorably discharged on October 9th , 1971.

Steve married Chris McElhinney on August 11th, 1990, in Las Vegas, NV. They met while working at Deluxe Check Printers, which Steve later retired from in 1999. 

Steve was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife Chris, son Luke (Amanda) Wempe, daughter Angela (Corey) Caves; stepdaughter Heather (Trevor) Gaston, stepson Shane Patrick, and 7 grandchildren. Siblings Alice Meyer, Rita (Joe) Robke, Janice (Frank) Kuckelman, Diane (Dennis) Murphy, Sue (Cyril) Steinlage, Dan (JoAnn) Wempe, Mary (Jim) Weeks.

His parents, brother Donnie Wempe, nephew Chris Wempe and brother-in-law Kenny Meyer, preceded him in death. 

A celebration of life will take place in Colorado and Seneca. The details of which are yet to be determined. Memorials can be made to the Seneca Mission Center.