Stephen Lynn Fruin, age 77, of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully at home on February 7th, 2025, surrounded by his family.  He was born on October 18th, 1947, in Brookfield, MO to Maurice and Darlene (Sternitzsky) Fruin and was the younger of two sons.  While in elementary school, his family moved to Marceline, MO where he would later become a 1965 graduate of Marceline High School.  Steve attended the University of Missouri, where he proudly played baritone for Marching Mizzou.

It was at the bowling alley at the university commons in 1968 where he met the love of his life, Mary Pat.  They married on September 20th, 1969, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City, MO.  They moved to Overland Park, KS where Steve worked as a road engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad.  A distinguished 30-year career with the Santa Fe included many job promotions, which would move Steve and his family to a multitude of cities and states before ultimately settling back in Overland Park in 1991.      

He was an amazing husband and soulmate to Mary Pat and a devoted father to their three children: Chris, Jeff, and Kelly.  He never missed an opportunity to help coach a team, play catch in the yard after a long work day, or watch any of their kids’ school and sporting events. 

Steve was a music enthusiast and an avid sports fan.  He was a multi-sport athlete and a brass musician in his youth.  Upon retirement, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing baritone in several local bands including the Olathe Civic Band, New Horizons Band, and the KC Dixieland Band.  He fervently cheered on the Jayhawks, Royals, Chiefs, and most of all Sporting KC.

Always a family man, his favorite retirement pastime was spending time with his beloved grandchildren.  Whether it was a band concert, soccer game, basketball game, track meet, tumbling competition, or a Tuba Christmas, nothing provided Steve with more joy than being “papa” to them all. 

He had his faith, his family, and his friends.  Steve was an honest and trustworthy man who was always willing to help anyone.  He never met a stranger, made friends everywhere he went, and was the ultimate storyteller. 

He was a faithful member of Church of the Ascension and often served as a Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and Perpetual Adoration adorer for many years.  Steve loved to travel, especially after his retirement, and he was fortunate to travel to Rome, Italy, where he was extremely blessed to see and meet Pope St. John Paul II.   

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Pat and his three children: Chris (Sally) Fruin of Olathe, KS, Jeff (Jessica) Fruin of Eagle Vail, CO, and Kelly (Jeff) Potter of Byron, IL,  grandchildren: Sophia & Liam (Chris), Cole, Tieg, and Calla (Jeff), and Evan, Jack and Ashley (Kelly), brother Michael of Columbia, MO, cousins, nieces, nephew, and many cherished friends.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Darlene.

His family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff of KU Medical Center and Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care, especially Lenah and Luke.

Services will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2025, at Church of the Ascension, located at 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS.  The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon to follow.  A private service will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, KS.