ELKHART: Steven P. Girten Sr., 66 of Elkhart, passed away suddenly on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Elkhart General Hospital, from complications from Covid 19.

A native of Elkhart, and a graduate of the Indiana School for the Blind in Indianapolis, where he played trombone in the high school band. Steven never let his blindness hamper or slow him down in anyway. He excelled in sports and was a championship wrestler in high school, wrestling many times against sighted athletes. He learned how to ride a two wheel bicycle, water ski, fish, loved swimming and played beep softball. Steven also enjoyed technology and had to have the newest electronic gadget or computer. He could play the piano, harmonica and accordion, all self-taught.

Steve was an avid sports fan, and a huge supporter of I.U. basketball and Notre Dame Football.

He had a successful career as a salesman for Handi-Clean Products for many years, a distributor of many types of cleaners, degreasers, floor care and disinfectants.

Steve was deeply religious and had a very strong faith in God.  He taught bible classes where he lived at Helenic Senior Living.

Steve was born on May 9, 1954 to Charles R. Girten Sr., and Roena (Windbigler) Willard. His wife Blanche (Eby) Girten is  deceased. Surviving is his mother Roena, son Steven (Chrissy) Girten Jr., daughter Tracy (Michael) Sheldon; 3 grandchildren, Josh, Owen, Kama; also 3 brothers, Michael Girten, Charles R. (Donna) Girten Jr. ,Joe (Brenda) Girten and sister Anita (Steve) Bates, as well as several nieces and nephews. Steve had several service/leader dogs over the years; they will be waiting for him at the rainbow bridge to be joined once again.

A celebration of Steve's life will be planned for a future date, where his family and many friends may gather to share memories and tell stories.  Cremation was chosen. The arrangements for Steve are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com