Stephen Kianka

Stephen Kianka, 87, of Enon, passed away peacefully at Danbury Senior Living Sat, February 15, 2020. He was born on November 5, 1932 in Trenton, New Jersey to the late John and Mary (Lengen) Kianka as the sixth of seven sons. On their Hopewell family farm, Steve grew tomatoes for Campbell’s Soup, learned how to fix tractors and cars and grew a passion for the skies. Stephen retired with the rank of Major after 20 years in the US Air Force where he served his country as a B47, B57 and B52 Navigator- Bombardier. Steve then went on to further serve as a budget analyst and supervisor in the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base before retiring again to spend the winters in Englewood, Florida. Steve’s love of his country was only paralleled by his love of family. On July 25, 1959 he married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Felix) Kianka whom he met at the Officers Club in Sacramento, CA. Steve is survived by his wife Mary Ann; two sons and daughters-in-law: Mark & Elizabeth Kianka of West Milton, OH and David Kianka & Misty Cooper of Springfield, OH; two daughters and sons-in-law: Karen & Kevin Batridge of Canby, OR and Suzanne & Matthew Holtkamp of Buford, GA; a brother and sister-in-law:William and Eileen Kianka; a sister-in-law, Valerie Kianka ; three grandchildren: Margaret Holtkamp, Annabelle Holtkamp and Claire Batridge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters-in-law: John & Gertrude Kianka, Andrew & Virginia Kianka, Paul Kianka, Michael & Elsie Kianka, and Joseph Kianka.Steve enjoyed square dancing with his beloved bride, was an officer and very active member of the Springfield Model Airplane Club, the RC Flyers Club of Florida and the Dayton Corvair Club. His other hobbies included bragging about his kids, fixing anything with a motor or engine, visiting the AF Museum, cutting the grass, spoiling his grandchildren and babying his ’57 Chevy. There weren’t very many things that Steve couldn’t fix, even if it required duct tape or wire. His sense of humor, loyalty, discipline, and love will be sadly missed as his family and friends learn to live in a world where Steve no longer is here to draw out maps, give directions and recycle all the plastic. A funeral mass will be held on June 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Huber Heights, with Father Ambrose Dabrozsi officiating. Burial will follow in Dayton National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the Kianka family ask that donations be made in Stephen’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project. Adkins Funeral Home, Enon, is assisting the Kianka family with Stephen’s final wishes.

Stephen Kianka

November 5, 1932 - February 15, 2020