Stephen Andrew Marsteller

Stephen Marsteller, 54, of Jackson, WY, passed away on June 14, 2023. Steve was born to David and Shirley Marsteller in Warrren, OH.  Babies usually learn to walk at a certain age, but at seven months, Steve began to run and never stopped.  The vivacious, rosy-cheeked boy who cut the tip off his finger slamming a door shut, cut his big toe to the bone chopping wood, broke numerous bones including three fingers at once, and ripped his nostril dunking basketballs off a ladder…this boy incredibly learned to be the safest driver, hiking guide, back country skier, rescue leader, rappelling instructor, and expert in many more sports and outdoor activities.  Securing five varsity letters in both soccer and track in high school in Midland, MI, he earned the name “Steller” - which became the name of his construction company established in 1995.  After graduating from college in 1992 with a bachelors in physical education, he moved to Jackson, WY, a place that captured his heart as a young boy.   He met his soulmate, Christy Tomberlin, in 1994, while working together at a youth camp in the Wind River Range of Wyoming.  When Christy returned home from college the next summer, hiking trails and outdoor adventures all over Teton County characterized their deepening friendship.  Outside on a beautiful, snowy December 21, 1996, Steve proposed, and they wed the following June.

He brought his bride back from their Hawaiian honeymoon to their first home, a tent cabin.  Together they faced the ups and downs of life’s journey and the struggles and successes of Steller Construction as a unified team.  Not only by providing jobs with his business, Steve served his community by becoming a certified NOLS guide, intermediate-level trained EMT and a highly skilled Search & Rescue team member.  2003-2004 saw Steve building his own Wyoming log cabin, which he had dreamed of since the age of 5.  In His perfect plan, God brought Aylin to their home in 2012 by adoption. Becoming a parent opened Steve’s heart in a new and fulfilling way and filled his heart with a great love for “his girls” (the nickname he gave Christy and Aylin).  Providing and protecting them became his primary passion, and of course, he taught Aylin to hunt.  Hunting, hiking, fly fishing, ice climbing, rock climbing, caving, long distance shooting, skiing, guiding scores to summit the Grand Teton, paragliding, white water rafting/kayaking, mountain biking, traveling to Peru, Indonesia, all over Canada and Mexico, camping, participating in cattle drives and branding, and deep-sea fishing filled his life with adventure that most only read about. What area hiking trail or outdoor adventure DIDN’T Steve master?  And his rich life of experiences brought out the storyteller in him.  Of those familiar with Steve, who has never heard at least one hunting story? Or a prank he pulled? Or a funny situation he saw, found himself in or had created? Making people laugh was one of his greatest talents.  

His laugh came deep and loud, eager for others to join his mirth.  He made others laugh with the rapid-fire telling of his Lysdexia story of Rindercella and the Prandsome Hince or a Pat McManus monologue of The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw.  As King of Puns, Steve spun the English language to bring a smile. He always told his construction crew that his jokes were their “pun”ishment. He could sing his humor, too; the Camp Food song being a favorite of his goddaughters, niece, and nephews.  His beautiful singing voice attracted others to want to sit near him in church so they could enjoy being part of his joyful music making. Steve could turn grey to bright and ordinary to extra-ordinary. His passing has left a huge hole in Jackson, WY. We will miss him deeply. He is survived by his wife, Christy Marsteller; daughter, Aylin Marsteller; parents, David and Shirley Marsteller; sisters, Kathy (Les) Lippincott, Karen (Bill) Cunnien,  Krysten (George) Helewa; and 17 nieces and nephews.  A memorial was held at First Baptist of Jackson on June 22, and a private scattering of ashes on June 23 occurred at the headwaters of the Green River. Memorial gifts can be sent to Mighty Oaks Foundation (www.mightyoaksprograms.org -primarily serving veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues – helping the hurting to find relationship with Jesus – who came to this world to give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like MIGHTY OAKS that the Lord has planted…Isa 61:3) Now, as we walk this difficult valley without our beloved Wyoming Mountain Man, may a song still rise from our broken hearts to the God of the majestic Teton and Wind River mountains, knowing that Steve now rests in His presence.