WICHITA, KS – Steven Mark Boleski, born in Wichita, KS to Don and Mary Kay Boleski on November 2, 1961, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Steve was a devoted husband and has been married to Kris for 29 years. They met through Kris’s cousin and after Kris proved she was a Chiefs fan, he knew she was the one. They married on August 30, 1991, and started a family a few years later. The children became Steve’s pride and joy and he spent his weekends cheering on Paige, Erica, Lauren, Joe and Reagan in all of their activities. Steve truly loved his family and loved sharing their successes and when he did he beamed with pride.
In addition to his family, Steve was an active member of the Wichita community for many years. After he graduated from Wichita State University, he went to work for Dean Witter, which was part of the Sears Financial Network. He stayed with this company through their many changes and today it is known as Morgan Stanley. Steve was the Senior Vice President of the Boleski Group and recently celebrated 35 years at the firm.
Steve loved the Shockers! Steve had offers to work in bigger cities but it seemed that although Kris would move, Wichita State would not. He graduated in 1985 with a degree in Finance. Over the years, Steve remained extremely close to the University, especially the athletic department. He was involved in many development activities and served as the president of SASO.
One of Steve’s favorite hobbies was photography. He loved to photograph both nature and sports. He traveled as far as Alaska to photograph bald eagles and grizzly bears. In the last few years, he was able to ride along with storm chasers and fulfill his dream of photographing severe weather. Some of Steve’s photographs earned awards from the Wichita Eagle newspaper, particularly those of the Kapaun Mount Carmel Women’s soccer team. Although he was an award-winning photographer, Steve’s most prized photos were of his children playing soccer and tennis.
Steve was a man of faith which was evident in the way he lived his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and centered his life around his Catholic faith.
Viewing will begin at 2 pm Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be held at 5 pm on Friday, February 19, 2021; Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Survived by his wife, Kristine (Durst) Boleski; daughters, Paige Boleski, Erica Boleski, Lauren Boleski, Reagan Boleski; son, Joseph Boleski; parents, Donald and Mary Kay Boleski; brother, Jeff Boleski; sister, Donna (Curtis) Hernandez.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford, Wichita, KS 67206.