Steven was born in northern California to Howard Otto Hoefler and Naomi Catherine (Clark).
He was the fifth child of six. Siblings were LeRoy, Stuart, Lynara, Lewis, and Paul. As a child he lived in rural Lompoc, CA, then later in Petaluma, San Rafael, and graduated from Santa Clara High School. In the US Army during the Vietnam War, he was a Psychiatric Technician stationed at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora CO.
Married Jacqueline Slingo in 1965, and they raised three sons: Tom, Adam, and Benjamin. Benjamin died from brain cancer in 2001, and subsequently they brought up Ben’s son, Noah Hoefler.
Steve retired from the State of Colorado in 1997 after thirty years in Law Enforcement as police officer, trainer, and intelligence resource.
He was a Boy Scout leader, and he and Jackie served on Marriage Encounter weekends. He worked a short time as a realtor in the Denver area.
From 2005 to 2020, Steve and Jackie resided in Rockaway Beach, OR where he served as Head Elder in their church, and they oversaw Noah’s activities in Scouts and Christian school.
Due to chemo treatments for bladder cancer, he developed what is known as “chemo brain” suffering several years of progressing dementia. He maintained an active life joining others in memory care groups and enjoyed singing in front with the microphone.
Steven and Jackie moved to Leesburg, Florida in 2020 where they enjoyed a senior community, and were active in Bible Study groups and were members of the Celebration Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL.
He is survived by seven grandchildren: Jeffery, Megan, Trystan, Morgan, Noah, Gabriella, and Hope. And by seven great grand-children: Joshua, Nora, William, Gavin, Claire, JoAnn, and Eden.
Survived by his wife, Jacqueline Carol Hoefler, and brother, Paul George Hoefler.
Steve was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Littleton, CO April 9, 2025.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Donations may be made to Lake Deaton UMC (Sonrise Respite Program) 6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood, FL 34785