Steve Overmyer of South Bend, IN, passed away on September 8, 2022, from cancer at age 80. His brothers Stanley, Stacey, and Stuart Overmyer predeceased him, as well as his son-in-law, Thomas Nevins. He leaves behind his wife, Judith, of South Bend; his children Stephanie Nevins of Urbana, IL; Christopher “Chris” (Laura) Overmyer of Carmel, IN; Andrew (Kimberley Jurawan) of Jupiter, FL; and Sheryl Overmyer of Evanston, IL; his sister Suzanne “Suzy” (Howard) Jones of South Bend, IN; his grandchildren Nathaniel Nevins, Theodore Nevins, Isabella Overmyer, Elizabeth Overmyer, and Katherine Overmyer; and three spoiled granddogs.

Steve was born on January 9, 1942, in Rochester, IN to Robert “Bob” and Dorothy Overmyer. Their 80-acre farm in North Liberty kept them all busy. That property is now included in Potato Creek State Park, and the 50 trees he planted as a part of his Eagle Scout project still grow on the south side of the lake bicycle trail. Dorothy and Bob cultivated Steve’s humility, honesty, self-sacrifice, integrity, compassion, gratitude, and a strong work ethic. Bob was a discerning judge of character, well-known and deeply respected. He was known as “the bank” in North Liberty and used his resources to help many in the community. Steve modeled his life on that of his father as well as Christ Jesus.

After high school graduation, he worked building pole barns and bridges in Elkhart County. His experiences working outdoors in the “cooooold winter” convinced him that college was the way to go. He worked his way through a B.S. in Industrial Arts at Ball State University and an M.A. in Education from Andrews University. He taught for 37 years in the South Bend Community School Corporation, and his innovative teaching included woodworking, photography, computers, plastics, and robotics lab. He was honored to represent the U.S. as an educational ambassador to China in 1990. His labors earned him the Industrial Technology Meritorious Teacher Award from the State of Indiana Industrial Technology Board of Directors.

Steve and Judith were childhood neighbors who took the Biblical passage “love your neighbor” literally. She was his best friend since she was in fifth grade. They started dating in the summer of 1960 and were married on the hottest day of 1964. This kicked off a “romantic movie we lived through,” as he said, as they started their teaching years. As his partner for 58 years, Judith created a loving home, became a fellow teacher and travel partner, and encouraged his walk with the Lord.

At heart, Steve was a builder. As he and Judith started their family in 1970, he began construction on their family home; it was a lifelong labor of love. They enjoyed fishing, swimming, and maintaining their beautiful backyard pond and flowers. His favorite spot at home was the sun porch, surrounded by trees and warm sun. He founded Overmyer Builders with a goal of making comfortable homes livable and “good enough for one of our kids,” thoroughly rehabilitating and repairing properties. He was also very generous with those who needed a place for their family, especially those who were marginalized, disenfranchised, or who fell on hard times. He worked out land contracts with affordable payments and minimal down. He never had a default or foreclosure. He built three other homes, renovated over 30 homes in Michiana, and helped his children many projects on their own homes. He saw building as an extension of his teaching.

The most influential period of his life came when God started to deal with him on a personal basis. He was called to quit smoking, which he says saved his life, and gave himself to be used by God in many ways. He became very involved in sustaining church life, conducting Bible studies, serving as the church treasurer for years, leading courses in fiscal responsibility, and traveling with work crews to help other churches improve their buildings. He was the foreman for the volunteer workforce that constructed the Christian Tabernacle church building over the course of two and a half years, and also was extensively involved in building the Church community.

Steve was a quiet leader to whom many looked for guidance and mentorship. Early in life he was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts, president of the Future Farmers of America chapter at North Liberty High School, and elected class president four years running. He was an excellent listener. Scores of people have shared that Steve changed their lives. He formed strong, enduring bonds and friendships that were unique and personalized. The scores of names populate that list known to only him and his Maker.

In his retirement, Steve still worked. He continued his construction projects, traveled more extensively, and became a critical theorist on police procedural novels and films. It became his favorite stage of life. He appreciated the natural beauty found in state and national parks from his BMW motorcycle and RVs. Freed from the teaching calendar, they had ample time to travel further and stay longer. They had traveled to or through 49 of the 50 states with memorable trips abroad. He enjoyed time camping with friends and cherished visiting his children. Scripture says children’s children are the delight of old man’s heart—never more true than with Steve’s heart. He loved wrestling, riding bumper cars, motorcycle and ATV rides, and camping with his grandchildren. Each winter season, he looked forward to warming himself in Florida surrounded by family and friends. He found consolation that he will reunite with his beloved son-in-law on the other side and in knowing that he was leaving his corner of the world a little better.

A memorial will be held at Christian Life Center at 1717 N. Hickory Rd. in South Bend, IN on October 9, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. The family will be available to visit starting at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Steve would support contributions to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana or any local food bank of your choice.

09/10/2022 JFC