Steven Anson

A special event in remembrance of Steve Anson will take place beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, June 30 at Falley Field on the Washburn University campus. Everyone is welcome to come to honor Steve's memory through conversation and socialization.

Steve Anson, my best friend and husband, entered the spirit world on June 22, 2014. He will be remembered for the unwavering integrity that was the foundation of his being and the sincere care and warmth that radiated within the many friendships he had established.

His career coaching college baseball began in 1978 at Wayne (Neb.) State University. For the next 35 years he was head coach of the Ichabod baseball team at Washburn University, Topeka, Kan., with six of those years in a dual position as an assistant coach of men's basketball. His competitive nature on the field was tempered by a genuine love of the game. While the players were expected to perform to the best of their abilities on the field, he also stressed the priority of their performance in the classroom. Steve always enjoyed meeting up with former players and their families at reunions and the many weddings we attended through the years. He was humored by the fact so many of them commented years later on three things: the torturous running at practice, his routine spartan lunch of fruit, vegetables and yogurt and his ability to perform more wrist curls in the weight room than anyone he encountered.

He was born in Princeton, Ind., on Jan. 30, 1954 to Ted and Patricia Anson and grew up in South Bend and Mishawaka, Ind. The family eventually included was a sister, Cindy, and a brother, David. Steve excelled in athletics as a young child, and always gave appreciation to the guidance and support of his parents. In 1972, he entered Kansas State University on a baseball scholarship and began one of the most enjoyable eras of his life. Of the many records he set, he took pleasure in the fact his record for triples stood for almost 40 years. Steve was most humbled, however, when he was named to the K-State All-Century Team. Even though he was an Ichabod, he was forever a dedicated Wildcat.

While baseball was Steve's public identity, he balanced his soul during the hours he spent hunting pheasant and quail. He loved nothing more than walking the countryside on a crisp autumn morning with faithful companions, Reba and Lucy, who already, and heartbreakingly, sense his absence. Each year, he looked forward to the annual opening day hunt with friends from college in the Narka area.

When people asked how we met, we liked to say we met the old fashioned way -- in a bar. That chance encounter led to our marriage on July 7, 1990, which began the wonderful life we shared. Steve loved the camaraderie of social gatherings, especially the giant summer parties we hosted for many years. This type of environment ignited his keen sense of humor and appreciation of a good gag. I grew to appreciate the organized chaos of the boots, hats and CDs that overwhelmed the bedroom that functioned as his personal closet at the house. And learned to close my eyes to the mirror image of accumulation that gave personality to his garage. I understood early on that it's not right to mess with a man and his stuff.

He was most proud of his grandsons Zach Linquist, 18, and Seth Cooksey, 10. Steve's sudden passing is an extreme loss for Zach, who will pitch for the Ichabod baseball team beginning this fall. Zach now says he will still play for his Pa Steven, but only in a different way. Seth also misses his grandpa profoundly. Through the years, they forged a bond through an appreciation of country music, which filled their many rides in the truck. Seth treasured Steve as the prime male role model in his life and will need more hugs than usual in the coming years.

On several occasions, Steve stated he did not want a traditional funeral, but would like a comfortable, informal gathering of the many people in his life. A date and location for this event hasn't been set, but will take place in August or September. His immediate family need the time to mourn and be sufficiently healed to also enjoy the event, which will be filled with music and stories.

Steve died as the result of a tree trimming accident at his home. According to his wishes, his physical body was viable for organ and tissue donation before cremation.

A memorial fund has been established at Envista credit union dedicated to the education of the grandsons. Donations may be made to the Steve Anson Memorial and may be made at any Envista location.

In addition to me, Zach and Seth, Steve is survived by his good friend David Linquist, Zach's father, and Earl Howard, Dena's uncle, who loved their monthly shopping outings to Walmart. His family in Indiana include his brother David, his wife Roz and their sons Brock and Brett of Warsaw; and sister Cindy White and her sons Kevin Bucher, Kyle Bucher and Sam Goepfrich, of Granger, and Dena's daughter Stephanie Joy.

I am fortunate to have been granted 23 years of life with him. He was a good man who added many wonderful dimensions to my existence. We loved one another unconditionally and found comfort in our companionship. While I will mourn his absence, I will always be embraced by the enduring warmth of his love.