Steven Charles Roberts

Steven Charles Roberts, age 60, of Rensselaer, passed away December 31, 2014 at his home. He was born on December 11, 1954 to Charles and Waneta Roberts, and older sisters Chris and Julie. As the youngest child, and only boy, he had an idyllic childhood that was spent playing with friends near the Iroquois River, and causing good-natured mischief around West Washington Street. He was adored by his grandmothers and teachers. Even as a young boy, Steve never knew a stranger. Born and raised in Rensselaer, Steve spent his entire life in his hometown - a place that was part of the fabric of his life, and shaped the man that he would become. Steve graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1973. He played football under Coaches Bill Siderwicz, Terry Davisson and Joe Burvan on the old field at Brookside Park. He remained committed to Bomber football for the rest of his days. He spent nearly 20 years volunteering as a ball spotter, alongside announcer Russ Martin and rest of the press box crew. He would go on to work alongside his father at Charlie Roberts Chevrolet and Buick on the courthouse square, and would later take-over the family business. This was not just a job for him. It was the combination of all things that he loved: cars, his family, and his community. He was a member of the National Auto Dealers Association, and served as a captain for 20 years. He served his community in numerous ways over the last 40 years, including the Rensselaer Jaycees, Rensselaer Rotary, Rensselaer 500 Club Captain, St. Joseph's College Fellow and Capital Campaign fund raising captain and Neighborhood Watch Commander. While Steve genuinely loved all things about his life, there was nothing he loved more than his family. He loved them beyond measure - and never withheld his affection for them. While his last two years of life may have presented challenges, he was able to welcome two more grandbabies into the world, walk his daughter down the aisle, celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with his bride, and join the Rensselaer Bombers on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium when they captured the Class 2A high school football championship. And to him, those joys trumped any challenges tenfold. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Margo Elaine (Merriman), their three children: Courtney (husband Edward Sagebiel) Roberts; Brandon (wife Jobina); and Justin (wife Jessica); siblings Chris (husband Russell) Overton and Julie (husband David) Lyons; father-in-law Blaine Merriman; Grandchildren, Caroline and Ellie Sagebiel, Jacob Buczek, Kaiden, Olivia and Mason Roberts, Jackson, Sofia and Mia Roberts and many in-laws, nieces, nephews friends and family too numerous to list, but never forgotten. He is reunited with his parents Charlie and Neenie, and canine companions Jake, Gracie and Percy. Friends will be received at the Rensselaer Central High School Gymnasium in Rensselaer on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the First Christian Church of Rensselaer, with Rev. Elizabeth Hartmann officiating. Cremation will follow. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Rensselaer High School Athletic Department, the First Christian Church or the Jasper County Hospital Home Healthcare & Hospice.

Steven Charles Roberts

December 11, 1954 - December 31, 2014