FRANKLIN - Steve Alan Garchow, 66, formerly of Prescott, Michigan, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 to join our Lord in Heaven.
Steve was born in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Edward L. Garchow and Gladys Agnes Delorme Richard.
He is survived by his wife and best friend for over 30 years, Darlene Kay Gardyszewski Garchow. They were married at their farm, Timber Ghost Gardens, in Prescott, Michigan on July 15, 2000, which turned into an old fashion three-day event.Steve and Darlene moved to Franklin to enjoy the beautiful mountains, water and woods of Western North Carolina and surrounding states.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward W. Garchow, and his wife, Patricia; sister, Linda Garchow; stepfather, William (Bill) Richard; and mother in law, Dolores Gardyszewski.
Steve is also survived by his brother, Martin D. Garchow and wife, Patricia, of Saginaw, Michigan; nieces and nephews, Greg Garchow and wife Andrea and daughter Patricia of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Jodi Brady and husband Michael of Carrollton, Michigan, Tamara Keysor and husband Kevin and their children Tessa and Andrew of Zilwaukee, Michigan, Brett Garchow and wife Tabitha and their children Hunter, and Logan of Bridgeport, Michigan; sister-in-law Tina Gardyszewski of Hayesville; brother-in-law David Gardyszewski of Saginaw, Michigan; father-in-law, William (Bill) Gardyszewski of Saginaw, Michigan; step brothers and sisters, Kevin Richard, Bryan Richard, Cheryl Lamont and Cindy Greskowiak, their spouses and children; along with aunts, uncles and many cousins.
Steve graduated from Carrollton High School in 1972. He proudly served his country in the Army in the Vietnam Era. Steve was vice president of operations with Walbridge in Detroit, Michigan for 44 years. He traveled extensively for Walbridge all over the United States and world, including to Dubai, China, Mexico, Brazil and Qatar.
Steve has many friends in the construction business world. He loved working for Walbridge and loved all his co-workers. Steve mentored many individuals over his long and very rewarding career. Many thanks to Walbridge, the Haller family and all his Walbridge family for all their prayers and support for Steve and the Garchow family over the years.
Steve loved and enjoyed life with Darlene and family, hunting, fishing, traveling, NASCAR, golfing, pulling pranks and joking with everyone, reading, playing cards and board games and games on the internet. His new title in retirement was “event coordinator.” Steve also enjoyed his newfound entertainment on Facebook. He enjoyed reuniting with old friends and new friends, aka our “social butterfly.” Thanks for all the love and prayers from family and friends. Special thanks to the best neighbors ever, Bob and Ilene Fabera (Prescott, Michigan); best friends Rick and Sandy Meier, Gary and Vicki Hargis, Bobby and Margo Boldt, Keith and Deb Anderson, and Dave and Luz Beaty, and to special friends Debbie Watson, Mike and Karen Walsh, Chris and Bruce Stephenson and Bobby Ledford.
Many thanks to the all the caring staff in the ICU at Harris Medical Hospital in Sylva, Dr. Todd Davis and staff, Dr. Connaughton and staff, and Dr. Conforti.
Cremation will take place according to Steve’s wishes. No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local VVA Chapter 994, C/O Dick Sheenan, 249 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be made to the family at maconfuneralhome.com.