Steven Paul Biederman, 61
Steven Paul Biederman, 61, passed away on Sept. 12, 2016, just two weeks before his 62nd birthday, of congestive heart failure.
Steve was born on Sept. 27, 1954, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Virginia and Paul Biederman. He graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in 1973, and went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Vicki Biederman in 1973. They resided in both Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, Calif., for the next 18 years, raising their three children. They later divorced after 35 years of marriage in 2008, and he was remarried for a brief period of time to Susan George.
Steve was a brilliant electrical engineer, and a talented digital designer. He first began his career working for Burrough’s and Wordplex in Westlake Village, Calif., and moved on to co-develop Data Acquisition Labs with friend and business partner, Dave Palmer, in 1980. The business was later relocated, along with his family, to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1991 to pursue future growth opportunities. He was actively employed with DAL until just a few years ago.
He was avid fan of football, (GO RAIDERS!) and all things rock and roll; an incredibly talented drummer who played in bands throughout his life. Growing up, there wasn’t a car ride where dad’s fingers couldn’t be heard drumming on the door or roof of the car, or while sitting at the dinner table … anything could be made into a drum if he was around! He had a love for street motorcycles, was a legendary master of the barbecue, and in his younger days, an impressive racquetball player.
For many years he enjoyed big campouts with his family and friends both in Southern California and later in North Idaho, with Farragut State Park and Round Lake being his favorites. The Biederman’s Fourth of July celebrations were legendary; our house was well-known for its impressive fireworks displays, and the place to be for fun memories made with family, close friends and neighbors.
Steve discovered a passion and hidden talent for photography in recent years, and his amazing work earned him awards and accolades at local venues, including Art on The Green, as well as online photo competitions. We are so grateful to have his beautiful photography that will live on as his legacy.
He battled through and overcame many health obstacles throughout his life, all while maintaining the most positive attitude and outlook even amidst the most difficult of times. He will be forever and lovingly remembered for his big heart, that Mega-Watt heartbreaker smile, quick wit, sense of humor, and above all — his tenacious, stubborn “never give up” outlook on life. Family survivors include: his children: daughter Michelle Dodge and son-in-law Jeremy of Surprise, Ariz., son Chris Biederman and his fiancee, Brook Long of Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, and son Michael Biederman of Coeur d’Alene; his grandchildren, Alyssa and Tanner Dodge, both in Rathdrum, Idaho, and Cameron Dodge of Surprise; as well as his estranged sister, Judy Biederman of Boise, Idaho. He also leaves behind the mother of his children, and previous wife of 35 years, Vicki Biederman of Post Falls, Idaho. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Biederman and mother Virginia Biederman.
Quote by Steve taken from his Facebook page: “God determines who walks into your life, it’s up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.”
Due to extenuating circumstances, a private memorial and celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date, friends and family will be notified by his children with details once the date, time and location are determined.