Portsmouth—On January 4, 2023, the world lost Steven F. Kauder—an immeasurably kind, selfless soul and always the tallest man in the room. A true mensch with an irrepressible optimism, a deep, booming voice, and a heart far too big for this earth.
Steve lived a life of many passions. An avid sports enthusiast, he was always tuned into his New York professional teams and the games of his beloved alma mater, ODU. A music lover, he spent hours jamming to the sounds of Little Feat and The Grateful Dead. A skilled woodworker, he partnered with his brother-in-crime, Don, to carve works of art out of wood he foraged with his brother Neal. Steve was a lover of fresh and saltwater fishing, bass fishing with his brother Neal and boating the Chesapeake Bay. When he wasn’t on the water, Steve was bagging birdies on the golf course or visiting with his family and network of lifelong friends (Barry Dixon, Weston Spivey, Jimmy Black, Blair Arbogast, and Gill Cahill). But his greatest joys in life were his family. Steve and his wife Janet remain endlessly proud of their two wonderful children, Sarah and Aaron, whom Steve loved with his whole heart.
A 1980 graduate of Old Dominion University, he went on to a successful 35-year career in IT management, retiring from Merck in 2015. Steve was 64 years old when he finally rested in his fight with ALS, a fight defined by his characteristic grace, courage, dignity, and humor.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Marie Kauder; his children Sarah Marie Kauder and Aaron David Kauder; his daughter-in-law, Regina Putri Kauder (Aaron); his mother, Violet Kauder; his brothers, Don (Tamara) and Neal (Jane); his cousins Kenneth (Tenna), Karen, and Steven; his seven nieces and nephews and their children—all of whom he loved like his own.
He was preceded by his father, CDR Robert Kauder; brother, Bruce Kauder MD; one Aunt, Sandy; two uncles, Nessim and Marty; and his sister-in-law, Andrea Kauder (Neal).
Sturtevant Funeral Home in Portsmouth handled burial arrangements, which were private. Memorial donations to The ALS Association.