Stephen Thomas Bordenkecher

Stephen Thomas Bordenkecher, 65, Indianapolis, IN, passed away February 5, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Indianapolis, IN to Norman Paul Bordenkecher and Edith Ann (Schmidt) Bordenkecher. 

Steve graduated from Southwestern High School in 1978. Steve went to Earlham College and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Political Science and Indiana Wesleyan University and graduated in 1990 with a Masters in Business Administration. He dedicated his career path to helping others with disabilities through his advocacy, policy development, and leadership. His primary employments included Rehabilitation Service Director at Gateway Services, Case manager/Supervisor at Adult & Child Mental Health Center, Assistant Director for State of Indiana DDRS, Administrative Service Manager at Boyer Technologies, Quality Assurance Director at the Indiana Division of Aging, and Long-Term Care Reimbursement Analyst at the Office of Indiana Medicaid Policy & Planning. He also maintained his real-estate license in a referral status for 19 years and was a practicing sales associate for five years. 

Steve had a generous heart, some of his favorite charitable and community organizations included the Johnson County Indiana Democratic Party, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, the Alzheimers Association, Board member and Volunteer Guardian for Johnson County, Indiana Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults, and the Franklin Indiana Jaycees.

His lifelong passion was his hobby for beautiful wood working. He enjoyed sharing his craft with others, and many enjoy having a piece of his art in their possession. In his retirement years he enjoyed his online store and the occasional craft show. Steve also enjoyed collecting antiques over the years including coins, stamps, and Roseville Pottery. Lastly he had a love for gardening, spending time outdoors and at each of his homes would dedicate time to create gorgeous gardens full of flowers, vegetables, bird feeders. He also connected with animal’s, and found joy in spending time with the many cats and dogs with whom he shared his love. He lived a truly inspirational life and was admired for his strength. Others will remember him for his kindness, compassion, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. 

Steve was preceded in death by Norman Paul Bordenkecher and Edith Ann (Schmidt) Bordenkecher.

Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Rosanne (Kuehr) Bordenkecher of Indianapolis, daughter, Melissa Anderson and spouse Billy, of Fishers, grandchildren Logan and Brody. 

Other survivors include his siblings Diane Beagle and husband, Ed; Larry Bordenkecher; Linda Carter and husband Brian; Dennis Bordenkecher and wife Laura; Tony Bordenkecher and wife Saundra; and Greg Bordenkecher and wife Courtney. 

Steve’s greatest joy in life was undoubtedly his grandsons, and he cherished every precious moment spent with them. To honor Steve's memory, and in place of flowers, we invite you to consider a donation to support his beloved grandson, Logan. Logan faces significant lifelong challenges due to his disabilities, requiring ongoing and specialized care. Your generous contribution, no matter the size, will directly benefit Logan by helping establish a special needs trust to ensure his future well-being. These may be sent through Zelle using email: [email protected] or Venmo username: @Melissa-Anderson-499. 

 Thank you for remembering Steve.

Visitation will be held Tuesday February 18th from 4pm to 8pm at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held there Wednesday February 19th at 10am, with visitation from 9am until service time. Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.