Steven Douglas Elsner

STEVEN DOUGLAS ELSNER, 77, of Sidney, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:44 AM at Kettering Health in Dayton, with his family by his side. He was born on February 16, 1948, in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Warren Ivan and Ruth Janet (Harp) Elsner.

Steve was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. After returning home, he pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree from Edison State. He worked at Ross Aluminum for 48 years, retiring after a long and dedicated career.

On February 5, 1972, Steve married his beloved wife, Penny (Middleton), who survives him. Together, they raised two children: Nikki Elsner and Kris (Jessica) Elsner, both of Sidney. Steve was also a grandfather to Karter (Kaleigh Maio) Elsner, Cohen Fast, and Devin and Holly Santos, and great-grandfather to Andria Soder and Aria Santos. He is also survived by his in-laws: Richard Clark of Sidney, Lee and Dave Bell of Anna, Candy Roediger of Sidney, and Ginger McDermit of Sidney. Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Clark, his brother, C. Daniel Elsner, sister-in-law, Vicki Elsner, and brother-in-law, Gregg McDermit.

A graduate of Sidney High School, class of 1966, Steve was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed active membership in the Indian Lake Moose Lodge 1533, VFW Post 4239, and American Legion Post 217. He was an avid bowler, inducted into the Shelby County USBCBA Hall of Fame in 2010, and loved playing softball and golfing. Steve was a devoted sports fan, particularly of the UD Flyers, Cleveland Cavaliers, OSU Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds. He also enjoyed traveling to casinos but found the greatest joy in cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events.

Funeral services for Steve will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Edmiston officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 to 8 PM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials to honor Steve may be made to the Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) or the Sidney American Legion Post 217. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com.