1945 - 2026
Stephen A. Aschenbrenner (Ash), 80, was born on August 13, 1945, in Hays, Kansas, and died on May 16, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas.
The family moved to a farm in Brewster, Kansas, when he was 5 and he lived there until graduation in 1963. He then attended Fort Hays University, graduating in 1967, and earned a Master’s Degree in 1972. He taught 2 years at Fontana, Kansas, and 37 years at Wichita County High School in Leoti, Kansas, teaching History and Constitution. He also coached football, basketball, and golf, and was the Athletic Director. He coached in the Shrine Bowl in 1982.
In 2006, he retired and moved to Topeka to be closer to his son and grandchildren, watching them play sports and other activities. Steve loved K-State football, the Royals, Chiefs, and golfing with his friends.
He is survived by his wife, Carol (they met at Fort Hays University and married January 27, 1968, in Dodge City, Kansas), his son, Stephen Todd and wife Diane (Sheern) Aschenbrenner of Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren, Dayne Hou s t on A s c h en brenner, Bodyn Crager Aschenbrenner, and Brooklynn Anabel Aschenbrenner, all of Manhattan, Kansas. He is also survived by brothers, Phillip (Phyliss) Aschenbrenner of Denver, Colorado, Tom Aschenbrenner (Juanita) of Brewster, Kansas, Nick Aschenbrenner ( Lisa) of Bonner S pr i n g s , Kansas; sister, Rose Marie of Washington state; brother-in-law, Ron Swenson of Lake Ridge, Virginia; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, uncles, and aunts.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Phillip and Rose (Shuster) Aschenbrenner of Colby, Kansas; parents, Steve and Thresia (Weber) Aschenbrenner of Brewster, Kansas; brother, John Aschenbrenner; sister, Thresia Rose Aschenbrenner; sister-in-law, Janice (Houston) Swenson; sister-in-law, Sandra (Aschenbrenner) Gaede; brother-in-law, Roy Houston; niece, Keri Aschenbrenner; and nephew, Jason Aschenbrenner.
His daughter Kristin Jan Aschenbrenner passed away March 14, 2025.
Services will begin with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, Kansas, 66604. Followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., and Reception there-after from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions go to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606, or to the Topeka Fire Department at 324 SE Jefferson St, Topeka, KS 66607.
