Stephen Carl Gradhandt

Much-loved husband, father, and friend Stephen (Steve) Gradhandt of Boise, Idaho, passed away on May 5, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in San Francisco, California on April 3, 1942 to Emil Gradhandt and Lois (Soto) Gradhandt. He was the eldest of three siblings. He was a good student and a confident, independent kid. He regularly took the bus to the movies, for example, but broke his leg one day darting into traffic. He always remembered that his mother made him eat liver and onions (which he hated) to help him heal.

After high school, he attended college at San Francisco State, graduating with a BA in accounting. He joined the navy in 1969, completed basic training in San Diego, California, and was stationed in the same city for two years. While working in the Navy’s regional finance office, he met Diane Craft, an attractive 19-year-old in a miniskirt and platform shoes. He was too soon deployed overseas for two years, but they kept their romance alive with letters and visits, never doubting their future together.

He completed his 4-year military service, and they were married in June 1972 in Carson City, Nevada. From there, with a budget of $1,200, they went on a 3 ½-monthlong honeymoon trip in a Toyota Corolla hatchback. They camped and backpacked across the country, visiting friends and family along the way. Diane’s family hosted a wedding reception for them in Iowa.

They returned to San Francisco and Steve went to work as an auditor for the Department of Defense. Diane found a job at an accounting company. Their first son, Dylan, was born in 1974. In the fall of 1975, they decided to move out of the city. Steve was able to transfer to Nevada City, California, for a job with the U.S. Forest Service. Their second son, Darryn, was born there in 1979. The family continued traveling and camping. Steve began running and cycling. Never one to start anything slowly, his first organized bike ride was the Davis Double Century--200 miles in one day!

In 1992, Steve transferred to Missoula, Montana. In the year 2000, he retired from the Forest Service. He and Diane moved back to Grass Valley, California. Then, in 2007, they moved to Boise, Idaho where they began hiking regularly with the Boise Baby Boomers. They camped and traveled and enjoyed spending time with their sons and their families. He enjoyed his trips to Diane’s home town Cresco, IA. He always felt relaxed, ate fried food and NO salads!

In 2017, Steve was diagnosed with radical prostate cancer. He had treatment but the cancer did return later on. However, in 2020, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. For several years, Steve continued to stay active in the gym and outdoors. When he was no longer able to walk, Diane would wheel him outside to enjoy the seasons. His family thanks friends and caregivers for their loving attention and support in his final days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike and his sister Trudy. He is survived by his wife Diane, his sons Dylan and Darryn, and his granddaughters Alexis, Ayva, Sophia, Mia, and Hazel. A celebration of life is planned for the fall of this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Idaho Humane Society, the Boise Bicycle Project, or the Idaho Conservation League.