Stephen John 'Steve' Irsik, Jr.
https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/Irsik-Stephen/5265503/
November 1, 1946 - September 6, 2023
Stephen John (Steve) Irsik, Jr., 76, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 after battling cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones at his daughter and son in law’s home. Steve was born on November 1, 1946 in Dodge City, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Allen Irsik, and his father, Stephen J. Irsik, Sr.
Throughout his lifetime, Steve witnessed great changes and events in our world including the tumult of the Vietnam War, the momentous addition of Hawaii as the 50th state of the U.S., the debut sale of Certified Angus Beef in 1978, the esteemed recognition of Norman Borlaug with the Nobel Peace Prize, and the global sweep of a pandemic.
Steve attended high school in Ingalls, KS and later attended Kansas State University to study ag economics.
During his time in school, Steve met Kay and married her before serving in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant Sergeant Medic during the Vietnam War. Soon after their marriage, Steve and Kay welcomed two beautiful children, Michele and Stephen.
From his early days in 4-H, Steve was always deeply and actively passionate about crops, soil, water, and cattle. After serving in the Air Force, he returned home to join his father in expanding their farming operation rooted in the very land where his grandmother first set foot in 1880, arriving by stagecoach from Ellis Island.
He was a visionary entrepreneur who masterfully integrated the cattle and grain segments of a diverse business portfolio that spanned farming, ranching, dairy, feed milling, and more. Steve’s business ventures were often the product of his adept abilities as a collaborator, often bringing many organizations and individuals together to the success of all.
Beyond his business acumen, Steve was deeply rooted in community service. He followed in his father’s footsteps serving as Gray County Commissioner, was chairman of the Kansas Water Authority, Royal Farms Dairy, and Irsik Farms Inc. Additionally, he served on the Kansas State University Board of Ag, made a notable run as a Kansas Senate candidate, and held influential roles on various other boards and foundations. A fervent advocate for Kansas State University, Steve was honored as a Distinguished Alumni and Alumni Fellow in 2008.
Throughout his life, he selflessly contributed to many organizations, programs and individuals dedicated to improving the communities of Kansas and beyond. His legacy seamlessly blends professional distinction with unwavering community dedication.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by wife Kay Irsik of Hays, Kansas; his two children Stephen J. Irsik III of Haviland, Kansas and Michele Irsik Flax and husband Tim of Hays, Kansas; brothers Mike Irsik and wife Debbie of Emporia, Kansas, Max Irsik and wife Linda of Flagler Beach, Florida, Robert Irsik and wife Ellen of Ingalls, Kansas, and Ron Irsik and wife Tricia of Columbus, Ohio; his four grandchildren Katelyn (Justin) Hersch of Overland Park, Kansas, Mikaela (Carson) Jennings of Buffalo, New York, TJ Flax of Manhattan, Kansas, and Joseph Flax of Manhattan, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom he was very proud.
He was a true inspiration to all with his progressive mindset and love for those around him. He often reminded us with the adage, 'Keep your fork,' signifying that the best moments, like desert, are yet to unfold. Steve’s best moments are upon him, indeed.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City with The Most Reverend Ronald Gilmore and Rev. Tim Hickey presiding. Graveside dedication to follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and Southwest Kanas Veterans Honor Guard. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers and as a memorial to Steve, memorial funds are designated for the College of Agriculture Innovation Initiative and Hale Library at Kansas State University Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.