(Former CEO Of Fairlawn Haven In Archbold)
Steven Albert Ringenberg, beloved husband, father, and “Poppy,” died on September 26, 2024, at the age of 75.
Steven was born on March 4, 1949 to Lawrence A. and Rachel J. ( Smith) Ringenberg and raised in the small farming community of Tiskilwa, Illinois. Steven’s life was full of adventure, faith, and devotion to his family, church, and community.
After graduating high school, Steven pursued higher education at Hesston College in Kansas before completing his degree at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1974. His career took him to Elkhart, Indiana, where he worked for two years at the Elkhart County Home.
During this time, he married Karen Lynne Swartz on November 30, 1974. With his professional license in hand, they moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where Steven served at Shelter Care and later at Beth Haven Nursing Home.
In February 1985 Steven and Karen moved to Archbold, Ohio, where Steven began his career at Fairlawn Haven. When he arrived, Fairlawn was a traditional nursing home, along with 49 rental apartments.
Fifty-nine duplexes, twenty assisted living apartments, and independent living apartments were built during Steven’s 29-year tenure at Fairlawn.
In addition, Wyse Commons was built, and the chapel and administrative offices were added. Steven also oversaw the completion of the Memory Care Neighborhood and Rupp Rehabilitation Neighborhood.
His faith was central to his life. Steven was a devoted member of Zion Mennonite Church, serving as a youth sponsor, teacher, and chairperson for various committees.
His commitment to his faith community reflected his dedication to service and helping others. Steven was a visionary CEO of Fairlawn Haven and active in the Archbold community as a board member of Archbold Community Library, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and as a board member of Little Eden Camp in Onekama, MI. Steven was Archbold’s Citizen of the Year in 2001.
Steven is survived by his wife, Karen Swartz Ringenberg; his children, Rachel Ringenberg (Duane) Miller and Shem (Jessica Schrock) Ringenberg; and his grandchildren, Magdalena Miller, Elizabeth Ringenberg, Uriah Miller, Samuel Ringenberg, and Malakai Ringenberg; his brothers Roger (Karen) Ringenberg, Tom (Birdina) Ringenberg and his sister Lorie (Paul) Hershberger.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents. He will be remembered for his kindness, boundless energy and unwavering love for his family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zion Mennonite Church (300 Short-Buehrer, Archbold, OH). A service to celebrate Steven’s life will be held on Monday, October 7, at 11:00 AM at Zion Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Little Eden Camp in Onekama, Michigan.