Wendy Susan Steuck

Wendy Susan (Piefer) Steuck, 75, of Philomath, Oregon, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 27th, 2023. She served many roles in life including daughter, wife, sister, mother, Army Veteran, friend, nana, and most recently a great-nana. She now rests with the love of her life, Wayne, who passed just two years before her. Wendy was born in Torrance, California, on July 11, 1948, the third of ten children to the late Ray and Maxine Piefer. She often talked about her time in California, and how it instilled a love of the sunshine, sand, and palm trees for her. Her family eventually relocated to Corvallis, Oregon, where Wendy graduated from Corvallis High School in the mid 60’s. She joined the Army and it was there that she met her future husband after a bet from friends. Four months after their first date, Wayne and Wendy were married. They spent 54 loving years together. Wayne and Wendy were stationed at Ft. Sheridan, IL, where their oldest son Kenneth was born. They then lived briefly near family in Wisconsin, and settled in Oregon where Michael and Cheri joined the family. They moved away for three years when Wayne joined the Navy, but were always happy to come home to Oregon. Wendy went to work at Willamette Industries, where she always said “it’s not where you work that makes the job, but the people you work with.” She retired from the mill after 20+ years. In retirement Wendy had more time for hobbies, including cooking and baking for her family, gardening, road trips with her husband, and visits to Florida and North Carolina to visit their kids and grandkids. She also loved the color purple, drinking her morning coffee, and watching the Food Network. Over the years she also sewed many blankets, including hundreds of baby blankets for friends, family, and even strangers. She was known to many simply as “Nana.” She had many surrogate kids and grandkids over the years. In 2019, Wendy was able to go on the trip of a lifetime to Ireland. It was a true highlight in her life. She also enjoyed family dinners with her kids and grandkids. She especially loved spending time with her great-grandson, Nolan Wayne, who always brought her endless joy and made her smile. She also had a special relationship with her sisters, and nephew Michael. They loved going thrifting together. The loss of Wendy and Wayne has left an indescribable hole in the hearts of their family. We find solace knowing they are resting peacefully in each other's arms again. Wendy is survived by her children Kenneth and partner Kecia, Michael, Cheri and partner Dennis, and six grandchildren: Ashley, Riley, Kennedy, Connor, Abbigail, Logan, and great-grandson Nolan. She is also survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Wendy was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, parents Ray and Maxine, her brother Ray, and sister Max. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the ICU nurses, ICU staff, and others that cared for Wendy during her hospital stay. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, and will be announced by the family. Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.McHenryFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Wendy Susan Steuck

July 11, 1948 - October 27, 2023