Stephen Anthony Kristof, age 54, of Marion,OH, treasured son of the late John and Ruth (Hoelke) Kristof, passed away suddenly in the mid-afternoon of Saturday, November 26, 2011 to join his loving parents in the joyful presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Stephen was born in Cleveland, OH on June 13, 1957. He moved with his family to Marion in the summer of 1968, graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1975, and from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in 1980.
Stephen was a gentle soul whose principle concern became the welfare of others.
After graduation he pursued a variety of interests which included painting in oils and water color, sculpting, wood cut prints, fine wood working, etc. He frequently submitted his work to the Ohio State Fair to test his creative skills against those of his peers. He worked for a time doing delicate repair work on pipe organs for small rural churches in central Ohio.
He was good with his hands, patient with materials, and exercised meticulous precision in his handiwork. He was most recently engrossed with the development of skills in the art of making and repairing acoustic guitars and ukuleles.
His most valued contribution, however, was the loving care he provided for his mother and father, Ruth and John, who passed away in 2007 and 2010 respectively.
Stephen also made it his business to provide for the routine transportation needs of many of his neighbors, ensuring this detail was not a worrisome obstacle in the process of acquiring medical attention-he was selfless in this regard. His concern for the welfare of others and the selfless service of his helping hand are the attributes that set Stephen apart in the hearts of those who new him.
A parishioner of St Mary, he was an usher for many years.
If you ever had the pleasure of enjoying his pizza, or his smoked macaroni and cheese, or his butter croissants, or the Christmas cookies, or the butter ring, or the anything that came out of his kitchen, then you will miss this bit of Fine Art he was also able to create. Stephen also enjoyed music, movies, bass fishing, and the pursuit of esoteric knowledge.
Most of all, Stephen loved to laugh…and we will carry in our hearts forever the sound of his laughter.
Stephen is survived by two sisters; Marguerite A. Kristof of New York, NY, Cindy Kristof Carmean (Richard) of Monroe Falls, OH, and two brothers; Joseph P. Kristof (Deborah) of Delaware, OH, and Mark J. Kristof (Carolyn) of Traverse City, MI; and nieces Jenifer E.Plummer (Travis) of Tomball, TX and Jamie M. Skelton (Charles "Butch") of Trophy Club, TX; and many other friends and relatives.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 PM Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors with parish prayers at 5:00 P.M.. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, December 2, 2011 at St Mary Church with Father Michael Nimocks officiating. Burial will follow in St Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (http://www.svdpusa.org/Home.aspx) Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunder/Hallandfolkcom.
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