Steve D. Agte, 63
Steve D. Agte, 63, was born Nov. 12, 1947, in Spirit Lake, and passed away Aug. 18, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene, after suffering a heart attack. Steve graduated from Loara High School in Anaheim, Calif., in 1966. He continued his education, graduating with a degree from the University of Idaho in Wildlife Management in 1970. For the two years following his graduation, he served his country as part of the 140th MP Company in Fort Gorden, Ga., and the 57th MP Company in West Point, NY. He and two other MPs from their company started the game warden unit at West Point.
Steve spent his career with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He began as a fish culturist in Hagerman until he was hired as a conservation officer (game warden) in Moscow in 1973. He completed Post Academy in 1974. He was promoted to District Conservation Officer and was stationed in Craigmont, ID, in 1982. He transferred to the Jerome District in 1988 where he was promoted to Regional Conservation Officer. He transferred to Coeur d'Alene in 1994 and retired in 2005 after 33 years of dedicated service. Over the past few years Steve was also a volunteer with the North Idaho Medical Reserve Corps.
Steve was the oldest of three children born to Tom and Kathleen (Mumau) Agte. Steve is survived by his wife and best friend of 31 years, Frieda; father Tom Agte of Plummer, brother and sister-in-law Conrad and Jean Agte of Spokane; sister Kayleen Agte of New Hampshire, his children; Jeremy and wife Diana of Watertown, Mass.; Jolene and husband Johannes Ericsson of San Marcos, Calif.; Vance of Post Falls, and Daniel and wife Alissia of Wilsonville, Ore. He is also survived by his treasured grandchildren, Eva, Hans, and Henri. He is preceded by his mother, Kathleen Agte, and his grandparents Bill and Fern Agte and Arthur (Pat) and Hazel Mumau.
Steve loved playing the guitar, laughing, being with his family and friends and serving his Heavenly Father and church family in any way that he was needed. If he didn't already know how to do a job he would buy a book, study it and get the job done right. He gave generously of his time and talents. He rebuilt engines, did plumbing and electrical wiring, taught Sunday school, served on many committees, both church and community, and in whatever he was asked to do he committed himself to doing the very best of his ability. He always gave and never asked anything in return.
Steve touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor. Steve would gently encourage anyone to love God and put Him first in their life knowing that everything else falls into place once that is done. He actively loved his neighbors as himself and that was what made him the friend to so many that he was. The world was a better place for having had Steve for 63 years. All those who knew him were blessed.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Friends and family are invited to attend a Life Celebration at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at the Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church, 417 N. William St., Post Falls.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Family Promise of North Idaho or the Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church. Please visit Steve's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.