Stephen Unversaw

Stephen E. Unversaw, 77, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on September 4, 2024. Steve was born in Indianapolis on September 17, 1946 to William J. Unversaw and Laura Jean (Armacost) Unversaw. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1964 and attended Indiana State University for a time.

With a million-dollar smile and his gift of making friends, he was a very successful salesman. In his early years, he sold for Cordon Blu and American Marketing Associates. In 1984, he became the first cellular salesperson in Indiana for the Indianapolis Telephone Company, later Cellular One. He was naturally driven and after several years in the corporate world he broke out and became an owner/agent of cellular stores for multiple carriers. As an entrepreneur, he started and oversaw the growth of The Beeper Depot which expanded beyond Indiana into several adjoining states. Later, Wireless@Work became a prominent cellular retailer with 20 different locations. Throughout his 20 plus years as an owner, he was most proud of the relationships that developed between he and many of his employees who later became partners/supervisors and beyond in the cellular industry. Steve was a mentor to many, offering advice, perspective, motivation, and sometimes ‘a kick in the pants’ if needed (of course based upon whether Steve believed it was needed).

While Steve loved his work world, nothing brought him more happiness than his family. He was married to his wife Donna (Kleiner) Unversaw for over 30 years whom he adored. He has three wonderful children and spouses who brought him much pride; Lori Moller (and Anders) of Gothenburg, Sweden; Emily Maslanka (and Jim) of Carmel; and Andy Unversaw of West Terre Haute. One could not have a conversation with Steve without a story about one of his three grandchildren; Alex Moller, JD and Stephanie Maslanka. The joy of his day was when the kiddos came barreling into the house with hugs and squeals of “Hi Grandpa!.” Oh, how he cherished his beloved Australian Shepherds! Blu, Sadie, and little Levi were forever on his lap, feet, begging for treats, or riding alongside him on his golf cart. Steve maintained that “Having and loving a pet makes a person kinder, more people need pets.”

Steve lived his life his own way right up to the final chapter and believed that when given the choice one should always choose adventure. He loved his Porsches, wooden boats, dogs and most of all family and friends. His passing leaves a huge hole in our family but he will live on in our hearts through the lifetime of memories and lessons he’s given and modeled for us.

Steve is also survived by his younger brothers, Mark (and Barbara) Unversaw of Indianapolis; and Matthew Unversaw of Ringgold, GA; as well as 11 nieces and nephews; and 14 great nieces and nephews.

We will celebrate Steve and his life in the manner he has requested with a Celebration of Life. Please join our family to share stories, laughter, and his life on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus, 2100 E 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation of family and friends will be held from 1-2:30pm with an open sharing of memories to follow from 2:30pm -4:00pm. In true Steve Unversaw form, he requests people dress in bold colors, no suits, no black, and preferably, no socks.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that, if you feel moved, to consider a donation in Steve’s name to the Jack Shockley Warriors for Peace Foundation. Jack was the son of dear family friends who was innocently killed by gun violence 4 years ago while simply eating in his car. His foundation sponsors scholarship(s) for student(s) from local catholic grade school(s) to attend a Catholic Archdiocesan high school.

Donations can be made at: Warriors4Peace.org/donate