Passed away on October 6, 2016 at the age of 57, due to injuries sustained while falling timber in the Willow Creek area.

Steve was born on August 6, 1959 in Eureka, California and was the son of Ginnie Lawson and Al Roderick.  He was a member of the Cowlitz Tribe from the State of Washington.  He is survived by his wife Pat Rodke; his parents, Ginnie Lawson and Al Roderick; his siblings Linda (Vern) Paine,  Tracy (D’Ann) Roderick, and Angie (Wiley) Stapp; and their children, Kelli, Bryan, and Andrew Paine; Jessica, Lindsey, and Carly Roderick; and Lane, Ryder and Hunter Steven Stapp (Steve’s namesake);  and his Aunt Verdalyn and Uncle Butch Brown.   He was also survived by his dear cousins Vernon and Artie Brown, Sandy and Buddy Brown, Teddy Ann Torres, and Darrell “Raggs” Evenson Jr. with whom he shared a special relationship.

Steve attended local schools including Eureka High School.  He was an avid wrestler and was a 3-time state champion in high school and continued wrestling at College of the Redwoods where he received recognition as an All-American Wrestler.  Steve loved his sports beyond wrestling.  He was an avid baseball fan when it came to the Giants (especially in even years!) and he loved basketball and his Golden State Warriors.

Steve loved the outdoors.  He loved it so much he made a career out of being in the woods.  As a young man he learned to be a high-climber from his dad Al.  Later on he partnered up with his buddy Walter Vance and they began a tree trimming business for some years.  He then learned to fall timber along side his brother in law, Wiley Stapp and good friend Jeff Lendahl.  Many of good times were had by this crew, both working and hunting for the trophy buck.  

Steve was a fun loving, strong willed guy that would never pass up the chance to make you laugh or crack a joke.  His nieces and nephews affectionately referred to him as ‘Uncle Stinky’!  He also wore his heart on his sleeve and would not let an opportunity go by without expressing his feelings. He once left a note for his mom that said “I respect you more than anyone in the world that, will never change mom” this is something she will forever cherish.  He loved his friends dearly Jeff Lendahl whom passed earlier this year, Wiley Stapp, Jed Vandenplas, Walt Vance, Jeff and Tuesday Petersen, Kim Vandenplas, Joel Stone and so many others that he shared his life with.  And as a friend recently said, “Oh Lord, open the Gates, A Champion is comin’ through”!A celebration of life will be held on Saturday October, 29, 2016 at Broadway Billiards 3534 Broadway, Eureka, CA from 4pm / 8 pm.

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The obituary above was submitted by Steven Rodke’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.