Obituary of Stephen Check

Lt. Colonel Stephen A. Check (Retired U.S. Army) On the 8th month, 9th day, 10th year, 11th hour [Aug. 9, 2010], Stephen A. Check passed away at the family home in Tenino, WA. Obvious from the regimented timing of his passing, Steve chose to go in a manner he was very familiar with—military style (orderly and with dignity). Born to Rose and Stephen M. Check in Nazareth, PA where he was raised until joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Alkire, 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren & 2 anticipated arrivals: STEPHEN M./Rhonda Check; MICHAEL Check (Monique/Ruben Muresan) [Salaura/Jeremiah/Aniyah/Alina]; JERRI/Butch Smith (Jesse/Megan Smith) (Shontae Smith [Seaonna/Arhianna]); MARISA/Art Foley (Sean/Stefan); DAN Check (Saralyn/Jordan/ Zachary/Sammy); PATRICK/Chanty Check (Alex/ Dante); SEAN/Ayumi Check (Sienna/Rizon). He is also survived by three sisters: Rose Didovitz (Christina), Margaret Schirmacher (Veronica/William), Veronica Koplin (Justin) all residing in Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews; and “honorary” grand-daughter, Krystal Kanh. He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Stephen M. Check; and brother, Richard. Steve chose a 29 ½ year military career, proudly serving and protecting his country--serving first with the Navy in the South Pacific (WWII); the Army, serving with United Nations troops in the Greek Civil War; the Korean War; and the Vietnam War. Peace time tours took he and his family to Ft. Hood, TX (2x); Ft. Lewis, WA (2x); Ft. Knox, KY; Washington D.C. (2x); Ankara, Turkey; Paris, France; Monterey, CA; Copenhagen, Denmark; Ft. Devins, MA; and Tehran, Iran. Steve retired in 1973 at the age of 46 residing in Tenino since that time. Following retirement he traveled the country selecting antiques to fill his shop, Tenino’s Treasures, Trash and Trinkets. Steve loved the game of golf and the family pets. We know he’ll waste no time reconnecting with his golf buddy Max in search of his second hole-in one. And teaching his animals Guffy & Asa (dogs) & Miss Piggy (the potbellied pig) new tricks, and sneaking donuts to his dog Emma. He enjoyed golfing many courses—including Athens, Carmel, San Diego; local courses, including Tumwater Valley, Capital City, Yelm (1st hole-in-one), Scott Lake, and Chehalis. One of his favorite being the course at Ft. Lewis. The family would like to thank family and friends who supported us during this difficult time. We would especially like to thank those who cared for him the past couple months: Dr. Michael Ellen and staff at Olympia Urology; the nursing and doctor staff at Madigan Army Hospital; Hospice staff: Shane, Doris, Laura, Jerra, Lisa, Lauren, Sharon, Cathy, Sally and Linda; and the volunteers at Tenino Fire Dist. 12. Their compassion and kindness caring for Steve and our family will always remain special in remembering his final days. You are invited to leave condolences at PO Box 848, Tenino,WA 98589 or www.funeralalternatives.org. Family suggests donations be made to an animal welfare charity of your choosing.