Steven L. Sickafoose

Steven Lee Sickafoose, 79, of South Whitley, Indiana passed away peacefully Thursday morning, November 14, 2024 at his home on the farm with his wife by his side. Born August 19, 1945, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Gale and Inez (Plattner) Sickafoose. 

Steve grew up on his family's farm with his twin brother, Stanley and their sister, Diann. He enjoyed helping his Uncle Guy and his dad do carpenter work when they were not farming. Growing up Steve had lots of memories playing Euchre with his family, eating popcorn, and homemade ice cream.

While attending South Whitley High School, he played basketball and being involved with the FFA kept him busy while he was helping on the farm. Steve graduated with the Class of 1963 and received a degree in Business from Ball State University. Following college, he married Beth Ann Meyers on June 9, 1967. Shortly after Steve joined the U.S. Army National Guard and had his training in California. 

In the next few years, Steve worked for Border’s and Central Soya. After a few years working away, they moved back to South Whitley where they made their home, farmed, and raised their sons, Jeff and Cory. Once back in Whitley County, Steve worked at Farmers Elevator in South Whitley while they began farming. Steve enjoyed keeping up with farm news and kept updated on farm issues. Beth always thought he would be an excellent Indiana Agriculture representative. 

For 10 years, Steve and Beth enjoyed helping to organize their annual Plow Day with their Amish friends and neighbors. He enjoyed going to the annual Mecum Auction with his friends each spring. He just loved being around people who enjoyed talking about farming and their families. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife in other countries, particularly vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

He was a member of South Whitley Community Church, the North Webster American Legion, was a Mason. Steve served on the Whitko School Board and always thought our community kids should all strive for a good education. He thought Whitko’s FFA was a strong advocate for kids to grow in agriculture education and wanted to see it grow and encourage young people to become proud and productive farmers as his boys. Steve supported the Whitley County 4-H as a Board Member and watched the kids participate in their programs.

Along with being involved with the Mizpah Shrine Club, the Corvette Club, Antique Tractor Club and others, he just enjoyed being with people and helping others. For years, he served on the Whitley County Drainage Board and enjoyed serving the people.

Steve was so proud of his family. He loved being with his 2 sons, 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandkids. Watching his grand girls show their show animals was something he could not miss and watching his grandson play basketball at Grace College could not be missed. He had a chance to watch his grandkids learn to farm and grow into that area too. He was an encourager and a supporter of them. When saying goodbye, he would smile and say, “Happy Days” to them… He will be missed.

Steven is survived by his patient, devoted, and loving wife of 57 years, Beth Ann Sickafoose; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Sherri Sickafoose, and Cory and Maudie Sickafoose; grandchildren, Clay (Meredith) Sickafoose, Erin (Caleb) Haupert, Susan (Khale) Rider, Brett Sickafoose, Eli Sickafoose, Emily Sickafoose, Anna Sickafoose, Lillie Sickafoose and Vivi Sickafoose; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Callum, Hazel, Charlotte, Sawyer and Zoey; brother-in-law, Joe Carroll; sister-in-law, Barbara Sickafoose; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Diann Carroll; and twin brother, Stan Sickafoose. 

A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 7 pm, Thursday, November 21, 2024 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A Masonic service will follow at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be 10 am Friday at South Whitley Community Church, 6685 State Road 14, South Whitley with visitation starting at 9 am. Pastors Denver Ayers and Khale Rider will be officiating. Burial will take place at South Whitley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children or South Whitley Community Church. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Steven's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.