Steven George Hendershot

Steven G. Hendershot, age 57 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.  Steve was born March 30, 1964 in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late George and Doris Hendershot. He was a graduate of Morgan Township High School where he excelled as a basketball player.  In 1982, Steve led the State of Indiana in scoring average with 29.9 points per game (before the addition of the 3-Point line). Steve was the Valedictorian of his class and was recruited by West Point Military Academy to play basketball at the Division I level.  Steve attended West Point for 2 years before transferring to Purdue University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering in 1987.  After graduation, Steve married Lori Lionberger on September 16, 1989 in Merrillville, Indiana. They celebrated 32 years of marriage.

Lori survives, along with their children Kaitlin Hendershot, Alexander (Molly) Hendershot, Samuel (Abigail) Hendershot and Madelyn Hendershot, all of Mishawaka.  Steve was excited and looking forward to meeting his first grandchild later this year. His siblings, Sherri Hendershot of Valparaiso, and Gregg (Angela) Hendershot of Sarasota, Florida survive as well. He was preceded in death by his nephews Payton and Nicolas Hendershot.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Friday, March 18, 2022, at Grace Church 52025 Gumwood Rd, Granger, IN 46530.  There will also be one hour of viewing prior to the 4:00 pm funeral service at Grace Church, Granger on Saturday, March 19, 2022.  Steve will be laid to rest at 1:00 m Sunday, March 20, 2022 in Porter Rae Cemetery, on the grounds of Potato Creek State Park. Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola has been entrusted with his arrangements.

Steve was employed as the President of Operations at Century Foam and Exemplary Foam of Elkhart for over 27 years.  Steve loved his work and the people he worked and interacted with on a daily basis.  His leadership, integrity, and honesty are traits he instilled in his children and will be remembered by the numerous clients and employees who had the honor of working alongside him throughout the years.

In his spare time, Steve loved sports and supported his children’s activities on the field as a coach or by attending all of their events.  Even after his sons were no longer of the age to play in the Granger Rocket Football League, Steve continued coaching and mentoring kids on the Steelers football team for over ten years and later coached with Upward Basketball.  He also loved farming, John Deere tractors, and helping his children raise pigs to show at 4H.

Most of all, Steve was a Christian and faithfully served the Lord, even through the trying times of his illness.  He and Lori were members of Grace Church, Granger for over 22 years where Steve shared his faith with others and taught Sunday school for many years. 

In his memory, donations may be given to the Samantha Hickey Memorial Foundation to help local pediatric cancer patients. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Steve’s life or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit www.CruzFamilyFH.com.

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