Stephen Daniel Heng, age 67, passed away on his birthday, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at home after a long battle with lung disease. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Leo and Sonja (Sevon) Heng on October 15, 1957.  He married the love of his life, Beth Jorgensen, on June 14, 1986, in Omaha.  Steve enjoyed his various jobs in the automotive industry and worked at Huber Chevrolet in Omaha and then Bergstrom Automotive in the Appleton area for many years until his retirement. At Bergstrom, he developed many close friendships over his nearly 20 years with the company that meant so much to him.

Steve loved golfing, listening to music of all kinds, watching sports, landscaping, fishing and hunting.  He cheered on both the Packers and the Huskers - you could always find him wearing Husker red on Saturdays during football season (if we're being honest - it was year-round).  Steve had a great voice and did many radio spots as well as sang in the choir at St. Pius for funerals.  He was a great cook and took a lot of pride in cooking meals for his family. He was so proud to take up running as a hobby and enjoyed displaying his achievements. Faith was an important part of Steve's life, and he was proud to be a member of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton for nearly 30 years where he loved being the auctioneer for the silent auction. Often, Steve would bid on and bring home many items during the silent auctions - including the time he brought home a large grandfather clock standing up in the back seat of his convertible! Steve had a keen eye for tree pruning and enjoyed maintaining the trees on his property - he was happy to give pruning advice to others whether it was requested or not. He was not someone who cared much for earthly possessions and therefore it could be challenging to pick out gifts for him, but it warmed his heart when people donated to charity on his behalf. He was a grateful friend of Bill W. Above all else, Steve cherished the time spent with his family, especially his wife, Beth.

Throughout Steve's illness he faced every challenge head-on with a positive attitude. Every setback was met with an optimistic "I'm fine" - all the way until the end. Steve firmly believed that his illness and progression was all part of God's plan, and that one day his body would be made new again in heaven. As much as we miss Steve, we take a lot of comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Beth; his parents Leo and Sonja Heng; his children: Brian (Amy) Lowe, Katie (Jimmy) Dahm, Garrett Heng, and Sarah (Jarred) Zak; grandchildren: Reagan, Jacob, Jenna, Nolan, Jocie, Zack, McKenley, Charlie, Lucy, and Graham; his faithful companion Juniper; siblings: Thomas (Karen) Heng, Chris (Cindi) Heng, Joe (Laurie) Heng, and Debbie (Kevin) Durr; sister-in-law Patti (Maria Wierichs) Jorgensen; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his brother Matt Heng; his sister Sue Heng; and his parents-in-law Herb and Carol Jorgensen.

A funeral mass for Steve will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at SAINT PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 500 W Marquette Street, Appleton, with Fr. James Jugenheimer officiating.  Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. A luncheon will be provided at St. Pius after the Mass. Interment will be held the following day at the Historic Riverside Cemetery. The family asks that friends consider donating to the ThedaCare Hospice Foundation, St. Joseph Food Pantry or St. Pius X Church.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Matthew Oetken for his wonderful care- Steve knew he picked the right doctor when he discovered their shared Husker connection. The family is forever grateful to ThedaCare at Home Hospice including social worker Stephanie, chaplain Ben, and especially RN Lexie for her kind, and compassionate care. You were all instrumental in allowing Steve to be at peace and maintain his dignity and independence.

A live stream of Steve's service may be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@st.piusxappletonparish378/featured

or https://stpiusappleton.org/livestream-masses