Steven Joed Zike, 57, of Morristown, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013, at his home. Born on Aug. 10, 1955, in Rushville, he was the son of Joed and Wilma (Valentine) Zike.
He married Sheila (Bridgford) Zike on April 14, 1979, in Fountaintown. Steve graduated from Morristown High School in 1973 and received a Bachelors in Animal Science degree from Purdue University in 1977.
He was the Engine Group Vice President of Quality and Reliability for Navistar in Indianapolis, having worked there for 30 years before retiring in 2010. Steve was a member of the Morristown F&AM #193 in Morristown, the Morristown United Methodist Church, and the Indiana Jersey Cattle Club. He was also a member of the Purdue Alumni Association and coached Little League for many years. He loved Purdue University and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. Steve was the 5th generation of his family to continue the long tradition of raising and exhibiting Registered Jersey Cattle.
Surviving him are his wife, Sheila Zike of Morristown; mother, Wilma Zike of Morristown; daughters, Jessie (Brandon) Everhart and Stephanie (Jonathan) Everhart, both of Morristown; grandchildren, Avery, Cora, and Tessa Everhart; brother, Kevin (Rhonda) Zike of Morristown; mother- and father-in-law, Rex and Dorothy Bridgford; brothers- and sister-in-law, Diana (Steve) Lutes and Andrew Bridgford; nieces and nephews, Tyler McCormick, Jarrett Zike, Katon Zike, Steven Zike, Gage Bridgford, Shade Bridgford, and Cash Bridgford; and godson, Carter Bell.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joed Zike; grandson, Abe Everhart; and grandparents, Gerald and Lucille Zike and Harold and Mabel Valentine.
Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield with a Masonic Service preceding at 3:30 p.m. A Memorial Celebration will be on Friday, March 8, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Indiana Downs Clubhouse in Shelbyville. Pastor Jeri Barrett-Thomas will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steve Zike Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Erlewein Mortuary, 1484 W. US 40, Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
