Stephen Keith “Steve” Tschoepe, age 65, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, was called to his eternal resting place on February 25, 2024.
Steve was born on March 6, 1958, in Seguin, Texas, to Barbara Jean (Blay) and Allen Ray Tschoepe. His love for his community grew as he did. By the time Steve graduated from Seguin High School as a proud Matador of the Class of 1976, he had already made a name for himself in our small town. He worked at the Seguin Gazette as a photographer and reporter, always wanting to be the first one “in the know.” He eventually went on to work at Lone Star Printing, where he worked as a salesman. This job was fitting for him because as much as HE KNEW, he also wanted EVERYONE ELSE TO KNOW – thus the power of the written word. His last professional endeavor was with Century 21 D&D United/Century 21 The Hills, where he worked as a realtor. This job was the pinnacle of Stephen, whether he realized what he was getting himself into initially or not. He loved Seguin so much that he wanted everyone else to move here and love it just as much as he did, and he wanted to help them along in that process.
If you asked Steve though, his main job was taking care of the Texas Theater. On any given weekend, he was at the theater ensuring that every rental went seamlessly. Steve’s passion for the Texas Theatre infected everything he did, so much so that a majority of the Tschoepe/Van Booven family events since Steve’s first involvement with the Texas Theatre have been held at that exact location, including surprise birthday parties and wedding showers.
If Steve was not at his office at the Texas Theatre or Century 21, he could be found out and about in the community pursuing several other endeavors. He selflessly volunteered his time for any causes that stirred his embers. He was an usher at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church for many years, in addition to serving on the Church Council there. He served on GVEC’s Power Up Grants Review Committee and was a board member for both the Seguin Education Foundation and the Seguin Conservation Society. He volunteered countless hours with the Guadalupe County Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program, formerly known as Junior Miss. (His niece was third runner-up in the program one year, and Steve could not have been prouder.) Steve was a member of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce and was involved with the Seguin Economic Development Corporation. He even served as City Councilman, even though his family has always jokingly called him the “mayor” of Seguin.
While his resume is impressive, Steve’s true inheritance is the love that he had for his family and friends. You could guarantee that Steve would always be there for you; he always showed up. He was a man of his word, and a man to give his word. He never made excuses and never felt sorry for himself, no matter what he was going through behind the scenes. He had a heart of gold, and no occasion was left unacknowledged. He believed in the importance of traditions and carried on his mother’s love of holidays. Whether it was a hand-decorated Valentine’s Day cake or a special Christmas appearance by Santa, Stephen knew how to make you feel special. When you spent time with Stephen, life slowed down. You felt transported back to the “good old days” when the only thing that mattered was spending time together.
Stephen loved a good prank, and his nemesis was usually his brother, Douglas. Every family event became the Steve and Doug Comedy Show, with everyone in stitches at their antics. Stephen and Douglas were more than brothers; they were best friends. This was also true of their sister, Tina, although the boys did cut her a *little* slack.
The culmination of this love, however, lay with the birth of his nieces, nephews, and great-nephews, for whom he assumed a pseudo-grandfatherly role. Uncle Steve was the proudest uncle around. He was at every shower, birthday party, holiday, parade, and recital. He supported every fundraiser and always made sure he was being fair to all. He even helped orchestrate the eventual marriage of his niece and nephew-in-law, scheming amongst others to set the two up for years. What a feather in his hat! It was truly a blessing to have such a strong role model walking alongside us each day, showing us how to serve God, our family, and our community.
Family and friends of Steve will all remember him for his smile, his kindness, and his care. What a legacy to have witnessed unfold over these last 65 years – a life well-lived by a one-of-a-kind man.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his sister, Tina Van Booven and husband Steve; brother, Doug Tschoepe; niece Ashley Schriewer, husband Zann, great nephew Kent; nephew Tyler Van Booven, wife Hallye, and great nephew Harris; nephew Logan Van Booven, wife Annie, and great niece or nephew due in May; aunts, Betty Spell and Janet England; uncles, Vernon Blay, Jr. and Roger Blay; numerous cousins, other loving family members and an entire community of friends.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Marcus Bigott presiding. Interment will follow in the San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Texas Theater.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Van Booven, Logan Van Booven, Zann Schriewer, Dan Garza, Richard England, and Donnie Barnett.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial donations to be made to the Texas Theater, P.O. Box 245, Seguin, Texas, 78156, the Seguin Conservation Society, P.O. Box 245, Seguin, Texas, 78156, or Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” – Matthew 25:21
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.tresehwell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.