Steven Michael Ochs

Steven Michael Ochs was born in Muskegon, MI on May 1, 1971 and passed away in Surprise, AZ February 18, 2026 after a 20-month-long battle with pancreatic cancer. We knew he was a super hero, but for the sake of Darth Vader and Baby Jesus, the universe didn’t have to make him prove it. As you may have guessed, and everyone around him knew, Steve had a wicked sense of humor and an infinite trove of favorite GenX-related movie quotes, memorabilia, and antics to draw from. The most important things to him though, were his Family, Friends, Food, Football, and Fun – and the occasional other ‘F’ word – especially all things considered. His wife Ashley Ochs was his best friend and he loved her from the very first date. She is the love of his life, his voice of reason, his encouragement to try new things, the keeper of all-things ‘home’ and ultimately, his champion. Their 25 years together brought them a relationship all of us envy, a beautiful family, and wonderful life together that he never could have imagined as a boy. He couldn’t be prouder of their daughter Kennedy Ochs, who is smart and beautiful beyond what is genetically reasonable for our family and sons Benjamin and Ethan Ochs, the sporting types, who are strong, brave, and super-coordinated – when their dad could trip and fall while standing still. He loves them all beyond measure for the kind, smart, funny, and insanely great people they are. He fought as hard as he could to stay here with them and would have photon-torpedoed the whole world for one more fun day together. Steve was born and raised in Muskegon, MI in the 1970s and 80s, during the feral-children years and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1989. He was preceded in death by father David Ochs, step-mother Susan Ochs, step-father Gilbert J. Line, and leaves behind his mother Patricia Ann Line all of whom gave him his amazing sense of humor and love of life. His sister Laura Olivieri and Nepew Chayton Olivieri (yes, Nepew – Steve was Funcle) are forever his cheerleaders, his masterful cribbage opponents, his gaming and movie watchers, and the ones who stayed up late on fun weekends to top the evening off with hot dogs and beer. And Steve wasn’t the kind of guy who took relationships for granted. He was blessed with amazing in-laws Tom and Tanya Grantham, sisters-in-Law Sherrie Meltvedt, Stacey Wilson, Kandice Grantham; and nephews Dillon, Parker, and niece Kaydence; Melanie Murray, Josh and Ashley Knicely, and nieces Evelyn and Vivienne, all of whom he loved deeply. Steven was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving five years at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana from 1989-1994. He was a computer and gaming nerd from the ColecoVision – Tandy 1000 days and so, went into communications. He earned an Associate of Science in information technology from Ivy Tech Ball State University while in the service and started a career in IT support for a few companies over the years: Deluxe Data, Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ, and CGI. He was a well-respected team member and a fierce provider for his family. This journey would bring him not only the wife of his dreams, but the best, life-long friends in human history: step-brother Jim, Art, Soika, Randy, Paul S., Paul P., Thomas and Tony, who were there for the fun and there for him when it mattered. Steve was also huge football fan, and as a Michigan kid, the Detroit Lions were tops. His Lions paraphernalia collection alone likely funded an entire season and if there’s any justice in heaven, the Lions will win a Super Bowl someday. Steve was a fantastic cook who loved to throw meat in the smoker and try many different recipes – all of which could be seen in his phone’s photo gallery - and nothing made his day better than eating and drinking with his family and friends. He loved all things sci-fi from the original Star Trek and Star Wars series, to an eclectic collection of movies, music, an ardent gaming history, and TV shows any GenXer would admire. His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 9:00 – 9:30 am, at National Memorial Cemetery: 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85024. In lieu of flowers donate to ‘Steve’s Dream Team’ for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?pg=team&team_id=70638&fr_id=3103 and/or join us in person for the PurpleStride walk to end pancreatic cancer on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Phoenix. He was our hero to the last, and the Force was strong with him, but he hated long, sappy goodbyes. So instead, we’ll say: Warp Speed, Mr. Sulu. Second star to the right, and straight on until morning. We’ll see you in the sequel.