Steven L. ARTUSI

1 AUG 1944 - 12 DEC 2015

• BIRTH: 1 AUG 1944, Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana
• DEATH: 12 DEC 2015, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 24 AUG 1968, St Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka IN

INDEX

[N13684] Steven L. Artusi
Aug. 1, 1944 - Dec. 12, 2015
MISHAWAKA - A bright light was extinguished Saturday, December 12. Steven Artusi lost his courageous five-year battle with cancer at Tidewell Hospice Center in Venice, Florida. Throughout his illness he never gave in to the nagging doubts that the cancer would win. He continued to fight, to believe, to dream, to plan, and to have hope. Despite his optimism and never-say-die attitude, the chemotherapy and radiation were no match for the disease. Steve will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by good friends, former law school classmates and coworkers, and neighbors. His family takes great comfort in knowing that Steve no longer suffers. He has been reunited in heaven with the people he loved so dearly who already rest in the eternal peace that only comes from the Father. Steve was born on August 1, 1944, in Fort Wayne, IN to his parents, Libero “Lab” and Clara (Nieuwlandt) Artusi. When Steve was born, his father was serving his country in the North African theater of World War II, so Clara opted to remain near her family on the outskirts of Fort Wayne. Upon Libero's return from the war, the family permanently resettled in Mishawaka. Steve attended Saint Joseph's Grade School. He then graduated from Saint Joseph High School in South Bend in 1962. After graduation he worked full time and attended Indiana University at South Bend for two years. Sensing that he had lost his way and that he needed direction, he took a drastic step. He voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army in 1964, the same year the United States dramatically escalated its involvement in the Vietnam War. He served his country honorably for four years and later called it the greatest learning and character building experience of his life.
With military service under his belt and a new lease on life, Steve enrolled in Indiana University at Bloomington's Business School in the fall of 1967. While at IU, Steve developed a relationship with Susan Flood of Mishawaka. They were married on August 24, 1968, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. In May 1969 they both graduated with honors and made their first home in Chicago. In 1974 their oldest daughter, Stephanie, was born to two very proud parents. The next stop on his life's journey took him to the University of Notre Dame Law School. In 1976 the couple's second daughter, Jennifer, was born. Steve graduated with honors from law school in 1977 and began what would become a brilliant and accomplished career in the legal profession. He retired from De Puy, Inc. in 1998, where he had served as Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs. He loved a good challenge, was a logical thinker, never would accept “no” as the final answer, and loved the thrill of victory in the courtroom - all of which made him an excellent attorney.There were many great loves and passions in Steve's life. The greatest love of all was his family. His love and devotion to his family were unmatched. Steve's view of family was undoubtedly shaped by his Italian heritage, of which he was extremely proud. His motto was la famiglia prima di tutto (family comes first). His father was one of eight children so there was a very large extended family. Every weekend, holiday, and summer vacation was spent together. Steve and his brother Jerry forged lifelong bonds with their numerous cousins. He would have done anything for his family members. He had a quiet generosity about him and an enormous heart for people going through difficult times. He was the most loyal person you'd ever want to meet. The greatest source of pride and satisfaction in Steve's life came from the family he created with his first wife, Susan Louise. They worked tirelessly and sacrificed endlessly to create opportunities for their daughters and to provide a stable home environment. Steve worked long hours and often had to travel for his job. The times he cherished the most were the annual summer vacations he took with his wife and daughters. Those are the memories his daughters hold dearest as well. His daughters knew they were loved by their father, but the real twinkle in Steve's eye appeared when his grandchildren were born. Steve delighted in his role as nonno (grandpa). Anything the grandkids said or did was magical to him. He spoiled them with his hugs and kisses, his presents, his dollar bills, and by cooking them whatever they wanted. He will be missed more than he could ever imagine.
Steve was a sophisticated, seasoned world traveler. His travels took him to nearly every country in Europe, several countries in Latin and South America, numerous countries in the Caribbean, all over the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and many countries in Asia. He took his dream trip in 2007 when he toured the World War II battleground sites all throughout the South Pacific. Steve was an avid golfer and a voracious reader. He was a huge Notre Dame football fan. He never was in the mood to talk after a Notre Dame loss. He loved to follow politics and keep up on current events. Of all his hobbies and interests, cooking brought him the most pleasure. He was an amazing cook, specializing in classic Italian dishes. He wanted guests to enjoy the fruits of his labor, and there was always room for one more at the table. The whole family looked forward to the holidays when Steve would make his homemade ravioli and cappelletti. Steve assigned everyone a specific task when helping make the noodles. The kitchen ran with factory like precision. On August 24, 2006, Steve's first wife, Susan Louise, lost her own brave battle with cancer. She passed away on their 38th wedding anniversary. Steve found love again with Susan A. Wallace, and they were married in a beautiful seaside ceremony in Siesta Key, Florida, on October 21, 2009. They shared a love of traveling, socializing with friends, doting on their dogs, and playing cards. Throughout much of their marriage Steve battled cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Sue became not only his wife but his caregiver who provided such love and support. They made North Port, Florida, their permanent residence in June 2015. Steve wanted to ensure that Sue would be amongst good friends after he passed away. Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his brother, Jerry; his parents, Libero and Clara Artusi; and countless family members and friends. Steve is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Stephanie (Jaren) Kilian and their two children, Abby and Aidan of Osceola, IN; his daughter, Jennifer (David) Haughs and their two children, Sidney and Benjamin of Indianapolis, IN; and a stepson, Tony Finn of Mishawaka, IN. Steve never fully understood how very loved and appreciated he was by the aforementioned persons or by his friends. There's a void in our lives and our hearts that nothing can fill. His death comes at a particularly difficult time of the year. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he always made sure that everyone was well taken care of and in the spirit of the season. Christmas will never be the same without him. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Steve's name to the Susan L. Artusi Scholarship Fund, 1202 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to Hospice Foundation Supporting Center for Hospice Care: South Bend-Elkhart-Plymouth, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 17 from 3-7 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, December 18 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery Mishawaka. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 16, 2015