Charles Stephen Fenstermaker

Charles Stephen “Steve” Fenstermaker

Our dear, sweet, fun loving father passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025. Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all those he knew. He truly enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Steve was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 10, 1945 to Fanny & Chic Fenstermaker. They moved to Denver when he was a young boy and eventually moved into their home in Holladay. Steve had one brother and three sisters. He graduated from Skyline Highschool and spent some time at the University of Utah. As a young man, he was drafted by the army and served in Vietnam during the war from 1965 to 1967. After his time in Vietnam he came back to work for the phone company.

Steve married Heidi Tillmann on July 17th, 1970. They met on a blind date and have been each other's best friend ever since. As a couple they loved going camping, fishing, golfing, bowling and spending time with their friends. You would always see our dad behind the camera taking photos and spending time playing his guitar. Steve was always putting money away so he could retire early, which he did in his mid fifties. This allowed them to travel and become “snowbirds” and spend the winter in Yuma, AZ.

Heidi and Steve brought three wonderful children into this world. They taught us to love the outdoors with countless camping trips, fishing and long car rides where they had to create travel games that involved money to keep us from complaining.

Our dad was a very involved father. He was the dad that every kid wanted at the swimming pool. He would have kids lined up at the pool to be thrown by him. Our dad found a love for cycling in his 40’s. He was always taking us on long bike rides and he often participated in century long rides. He would often take us golfing, bowling and fishing. He was always willing to try new adventures.

Steve was able to do just about anything from car mechanics to construction and everything in between from the skills he had learned from his father.

Steve was diagnosed with Vascular Parkinson's in his later years which sadly took away his ability to do the things he loved. But with his debilitation he found a new love for reading (something I am certain our mom was very proud of). He found a way to do things with his grandchildren such as coloring, painting, doing puzzles, watching them dance to having conversations about his favorite music and the good ol’ days. They all loved their Pa Steve.

He was able to live out his final days in the home he grew up in as a young boy looking out at Mount Olympus, one of his favorite hikes.

It is so hard to say goodbye for now, but we are so excited for our parents to be together again and for his joyful reunion with all the family and friends that have passed before him.

He is survived by Brooke (Jeff) Howard, Holly (Chris) Pearson, Andy (Nicole) Fenstermaker and his 7 grandchildren Jackson, Carson, Owen, Luke, Piper, Rudy & Austin.

A special thanks to the VA and his nurse and all the aides from Caregivers. We appreciate the love and care that they offered our dad over the past several years.

In his honor we will hold a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 from 6-8 pm at the Memorial Holladay Cottonwood Mortuary (4670 South Highland Drive). Funeral services will be held at the same location at 11 am on July 23, 2025, with additional viewing time starting at 10 am. There will be no graveside services at this time. It is requested that you follow his wishes of No Suits - No Ties - No Service. Please dress comfortably. He would want it that way.