Stephen Miinch

PATTON, Mo. -- Stephen Randal Miinch, 48, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at his home near Patton, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and children.

Steve was born July 25, 1961, in Cape Girardeau.

A graduate of Meadow Heights High School and Southeast Missouri State University, Steve was honored to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of Sedgewickville United Methodist Church.

He and Patti Lincecum were married Sept. 15, 1984.

Survivors include his loving wife, Patti; a son, Steve, of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter, Jennifer, of St. Louis; parents, Joe and Kathryn Miinch; a brother, Dwane (Diane) and daughters, Kari Kitchen (Tatum), Kami Cheney (Robby), and Kati; a brother, Larry, and daughter, Tia, and son, Trae; mother-in-law, Jewell Lincecum; a sister-in-law, Bev Meyer (Reg) and sons Brian (Carrie), Kevin (Mandy) and daughter, Sarah; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and treasured friends and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents and his father-in-law.

Steve was a man of unwavering faith in God and a devoted husband and father. His most cherished times were those spent with his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals and college baseball.

His family and friends will sorely miss him but rejoice that he has gone home to be with his loving savior.

Steve's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the numerous family members, friends, co-workers (with special thanks to his co-workers on C-team and to Mike H. and Cletus), and members of his church family who in so many ways wrapped us in their loving arms, lifted us up with prayer, and supported us through this very difficult six-week period. We also thank Nancy and Jill from Southeast Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Patton.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

The family requests that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society.