Stephan "Steve" R. App

Stephan “Steve” R. App, 77, died Sunday, March 21, 2021 surround by his family.  He was born June 4, 1943 in Fort Wayne. He was a son of the late Paul and Mary (McDonald) App.  Steve was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.  He never met anyone who was not worthy of his love and acceptance. He was a peacemaker. “He made the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy his life ‘s mission.”  He was raised on Kensington Boulevard and Lake Wawasee in the summertime.

Steve graduated from both St. Jude Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School, class of 1962. He was a Crosier Brother until he went on to graduate from the “CIA” Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, CT. He then worked as a chef in Chicago, IL at the Pic Congress Hotel where he met his bride, C. Louise (Gordon) App and were married in Uganda, Africa in 1972 by his Holy Cross brother Fr. Steve Gibson.  They then moved back to Fort Wayne and owned Old Fort Myers Restaurant in the early 80’s.

He was called into serving the poor and destitute in the late 80’s and was employed at St. Vincent de Paul Store until his retirement.  His example lives on; “no matter how tired you are, no matter how physically exhausting your life may be, make it a great priority to care for someone in need.”  He spent his retirement days just like he did as a young man, boating, fishing, skiing and praying for his family and friends; as well as, the people he served at Noble House for men and women in need.  He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus (3rd degree) and St. Vincent de Paul Society.

His love for all Notre Dame shined through his life. He became friends with Coach Gerry Faust by writing letters back and forth. He believed in miracles and the witness and difference one person could make .... “He was a dreamer and had unwavering faith in God and humanity.”

Steve is survived by his wife, Louise; daughters, Christine (John) Hill and Mary (Tony) House, both of Fort Wayne; six granddaughters, Maria, Tonya, Kate, Emily, Abby, and Grace; 2 great-granddaughters, Willow and Victoria; sisters, Kathy Tebbe, Joan Gibson; brother, Fr. Steve Gibson, CSC; sister-in-law, Maureen Gibson; cousin, Robert (Christine) McDonald; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.  Steve was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Russell Gibson; brothers; Jerome App and Dave Gibson; sister, CarolAnn (Edwin) Good; and brother-in-law, Arthur Tebbe.

“True love is about giving; and giving until it hurts” Mother Teresa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:30 pm, Saturday, March 27, 2021 at St Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Dr, with calling 1/2 hour prior. Face covering required.  Visitation also Friday, March 26, 2021, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society.