Stephen Mark "Steve" Cretsinger

Stephen Mark "Steve" Cretsinger, 43, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on May 4, 2021 unexpectedly in his sleep of suspected cardiac arrest at his home. Steve was born on January 30, 1978 as a precious addition to his parents Dean and Lois Cretsinger in Lawrence, Ks. The Cretsinger family were much loved members of the Lawrence community and Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene until Steve was in high school. The Bonds, Evans's, Dyers, Breithaupts, Boehles, Baldridges, Dalrymples, Coovers and so many more were one big family through the church. Lots of times were spent together resulting in precious memories. The Cretsinger family moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where Steve finished high school and caused his share of trouble and shenanigans. He met his best friends, Aimee Ankeney, Andrea Anderson, Colo Daisy, TJ Curry, Scott Eckhardt, Jason Bishop, Jerome Ragains, CW Roe, Shane Beyer, Jessica Wilkerson, Chris Wells, Jason Patton and Jason Sparks and the bond that they shared will be a forever one. Steve always wanted to be a soldier in the United States Marine Corp. He enlisted and served until a medical condition ended his dream with a Medical Discharge. Steve was a proud Marine and very dedicated and passionate about serving other former Vets. Any time he came across an elderly Vet in his job at Home Depot, you could be sure there were questions asked and stories shared. In April of 2011, Steve met the love of his life, Barbara Gonzalez, while singing karaoke. Steve fell in love with her beautiful eyes and soul. Barbara loved to listen to Steve sing and Steve loved everything about Barbara. He was finally able to get his wish of giving her his last name on August 26, 2017. Soulmates were united and they shared an amazing love and relationship. There is no way to truly encapsulate Steve's life in a few words. He was a loyal friend, fun to be with, and great man. He loved his family, God and his country. He will be greatly missed and has left behind a large circle of friends who loved him dearly. Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara Cretsinger and two step children, Alexis and Nicholas Gonzalez (Texas). His loving parents, Dean and Lois Cretsinger (Colorado Springs, Colorado). A brother, DJ Cretsinger. Niece Jordahn Burch and family (Missouri). And special friends in his life, Verla and Harold. Services will be at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS on Monday, May 10, 2021. Viewing and visitation will be from 1:00 pm, with a service following at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Gary Sinese Foundation in Steve's name.

Stephen Mark "Steve" Cretsinger

January 30, 1978 - May 4, 2021