Stephen 'Steve' Button, 63

Stephen Michael Button, 63 of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed peacefully surrounded by loving family Feb. 2, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer.

Son of Evelyn (Tice) Button and Thomas Button, he was born Aug. 1, 1961, in Newark, N.J. He graduated from Summit High School and completed electrical training at Union County Tech in 1980, after which he began his long and accomplished career as an electrician. He met his future wife, Leslie Little-Button, in 1980, becoming high school sweethearts. Shortly after, the couple moved to Stirling, then New Brunswick, N.J., for a few years before relocating to Oakland, Calif., where they resided and managed their apartment building for 10 years. At the same time, Steve worked as an electrician, perfecting his skills while Leslie attended college. They enjoyed exploring Northern California on Steve’s motorcycle, camping, attending many concerts and were regulars at the A’s baseball games.

Steve and Leslie were married in 1989 in Felton, Calif., at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad. They were joined by family and friends on a train ride to the top of the mountain for an unforgettable ceremony amid the ancient Redwoods.

In 1994, the couple moved to Spokane, Wash., and enjoyed a very special year living with Leslie’s grandmother, Bertha, then bought their home in Coeur d’Alene, where they began their family. Colby was born in September 1995, Charles in February 1998 and Ty in June 2005. The boys were Steve’s most beloved accomplishments, taking every opportunity to say how proud of them he was. It was important to Steve to participate however he could, volunteering for field trips, school activities, mentoring Colby’s robotics team, coaching Charlie’s baseball team and taking all three boys to Sunday’s Home Depot builds. The family enjoyed camping, hiking, biking and exploring North Idaho.

After many years as an electrician, Steve accepted a job with the state of Idaho as an electrical inspector, where he truly loved traveling, meeting and befriending new people and their animals; often taking pictures with their goats, chickens and dogs. Soon after starting with the state, he began teaching the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at North Idaho College. He was incredibly proud of his students, helping them to succeed in his class and loved hearing of their professional accomplishments after finishing the program.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Button and Thomas Button. He leaves behind many friends and family, including wife Leslie, sons Colby, Charlie and Ty, brothers Tom (Beth) Button, Tim (Paige) Button, sister Carolyn (Rob) Rau, stepmother Susan Button and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m., at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.

Memorial gifts can be directed to the Steve Button Memorial Scholarship at North Idaho College Foundation, Inc., 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, or online at www.nic.edu and noted “In Memory of Steve Button.”