Steven Arthur DeHart

Steven Arthur DeHart (“Stevie D”) passed away from prolonged complications of a stroke on August 10, 2023, in Logan, Utah while surrounded by his loved ones. Steve was born on December 11, 1947, in Madison, Wisconsin and was adopted by loving parents, Bill and Myrtle DeHart.

A student in so many ways, after attending Logan public schools and a freshman year at Utah State University, an LDS mission took him to southern Germany. During this time, Steve’s love for the German people, culture and language grew and was his passion upon his return to Logan to continue his studies at USU as a German major.

While attending USU, Steve participated in a BYU study abroad in Salzburg, Austria. While there, he met fellow student, Ganie Bundy, and the two eventually married (later divorced). After graduating from USU, Steve moved to Baltimore, MD to attend Johns Hopkins University where he obtained masters and doctorate degrees. Further expanding his credentials at Johns Hopkins, Steve was awarded and fulfilled a Fullbright Scholarship in Prien, Germany. This chapter included a visit and dinner with his younger brother in Salzburg during which the patrons in the restaurant insisted Steve was a native German.

Steve’s professional career began in St. Paul, MN as an associate professor at St. Catherine University. His next opportunity took him to Behrend College in Erie, PA where he became a tenured professor in the School of Humanities at Penn State. During his time at Behrend, Steve would arrange and supervise several studies abroad in Germany for many of his students.

While in Erie, PA Steve met Gretchen Kline and later threw the dice (said jokingly) by marrying her in an entertaining ceremony at a Las Vegas wedding chapel. In 1997, Steve took early retirement from Penn State and moved to Logan to assist his parents in their final years. After the death of his parents, Gretchen and he moved to Henderson, NV where he taught in the Clark County School District.

In 2015, upon the death of his wife Gretchen, Steve reconnected with his widowed long-time friend, Sally Sears. The two fell in love and became inseparable companions. After Steve’s stroke in November 2022, Sally lovingly stood by his side and was his primary caregiver until his death. It is impossible to express in words the gratitude that all of Steve’s family and friends
feel towards Sally for her love and devotion to Steve. Further gratitude is given to Sally’s son,
James Sears, for his love and support.

Among the many of Steve’s lifetime loves and experiences were travel, music, theater, books, camping, electronics and enjoying conversation with family, friends and strangers while dining over good food, drink and Caffe Ibis coffee. Steve’s love of good food made him an accomplished chef and author of a cookbook. Over the years, his love of music, starting and ending with Bob Dylan, resulted in an extensive and diverse CD collection. As a culminating career, he once considered starting a Jazz-themed radio station.

Steve is survived by his loving companion, Sally, and by his brother, Kent (Cindy) DeHart, and nephews Brady DeHart (Paola), Kyle DeHart (Jocelyn), Colton DeHart. Thanks to family, friends and providers who loved and cared for Steve. Special thanks to Chip Susol and Mark Weber for their decades-old close friendships with Steve.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 17 at The Logan House (outdoor venue located at 136 West 100 North, Logan, Utah). For those who knew Steve, please attend and come prepared to share fond memories, food and drink, and Bob Dylan music.

In lieu of flowers, etc., for those inclined, we suggest a donation to the Myrtle Sowards DeHart scholarship fund in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at Utah State University.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.