ELKHART — Steven J. "Steve" Grathen, 68, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at South Bend's Memorial Hospital following an extended illness at 3:10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.

He was born, in Elkhart, Dec. 27, 1948, to the late Jim and Patricia (Mahar) Grathen, and later married Susan D. "Sue" Arnold in 1970 in Elkhart. She survives at home after 46 wonderful years together.

Also surviving are his sons, Chad and Matt (Kristin) Grathen; brothers Ron and Phil Grathen; and grandsons Isaiah, Christian and Noah, all of Elkhart.

He also leaves behind a beloved extended family as well.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is honored to host Steve's celebration of life service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart with graveside military honors rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV 19.

Steve worked most of his life as an over-the-road trucker, but retired from Trans Air in New Paris in 2013.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed fishing and working on his home and yard.

He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, oftentimes playing cards or cribbage, or just relaxing and watching the Dallas Cowboys with his pal Dea the cat.

He was also an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, where he spent two tours of duty in Vietnam with an artillery battalion.