Stephen Donald Etzel, Sr.

Stephen Donald Etzel, Sr., 80, of Topeka, passed away on June 5, 2022 at his home.

He was born on May 8, 1942, in Topeka, Kansas, one of 7 children to Marcus Albert and Elizabeth Josephine (Ringleman) Etzel.

Mr. Etzel graduated from Hayden High School in 1960 and later attended Washburn University. 

Stephen served the community as a fireman, retiring as a Captain from Station #10 in 1993.

He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and he enjoyed working on firearms, hunting upland game, pheasant, quail, as well as deer. 

Stephen married Diann Kay Woodrum on December 30, 1961.  They celebrated 60 years together.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include, a daughter, Kimberlee Thompson and husband Tom of Topeka, Kansas; son, Steve Etzel of Berryton, Kansas; sister, Linda Tierce and husband Jack of Brownsville, Texas; grandchildren, Andrea L. Etzel, Ashleigh D. Etzel, Tanner J. Etzel, Conor S. Etzel, Tyler J. Thompson, Alyssa J. Thompson; great grandchildren, Jamison Smith, Mary-Louise Smith, and Addison L. Etzel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marcus Etzel Jr., John A. Etzel, Michael Etzel; sisters, Elizabeth Curley, Sylvia Swain; and daughter in law, Lisa Etzel.

Memorial services will be 2:00pm Thursday, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, and burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be sent in Stephen’s memory to Catholic Charities, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

To leave condolences or share a fond memory, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.