Stephen "Steve" Anthony Murbach, age 70, a lifetime resident of the Valley and Chewelah communities, passed away on Sept. 25, 2021 in Spokane, WA.  He was born on February 16, 1951 in Chewelah, WA the son of Marion Edward and Helen Ann (Mally) Murbach.

Steve was raised in Valley, WA and began school at St. Mary's Catholic School for the first two years.  He then completed grade school in Valley before attending Jenkins High School.  Steve graduated in 1970 and then moved to Spokane, WA.  While in Spokane he attended Spokane Community College for two years.  Steve loved the Chewelah Valley and returned home to work at Lane Mountain where he had also worked while in high school.  In the mid 1970's, he was one of the first hires to Northwest Alloys.  Steve worked for over 28 years at Northwest Alloys as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic until its closure.  On June 20, 1987, Steve married Kathleen L. Potts at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Valley.  They resided in Chewelah and enjoyed time shared as they blended families.  Upon Steve's retirement from N.W. Alloys, he then turned his attention to the Potts family farm and had the opportunity to raise hay and cattle, working the farm until present.  He and Kathy resided on the farm in the home they designed and built together.

Steve enjoyed sports and was active as both a participant on teams and rooting parent from the sidelines.  Every evening was full of athletics as their family grew.  Steve also returned in later years to his passion for power, speed and drag racing.  He enjoyed turning the wrench and tuning his 1972 Duster for the track.  Steve spent countless hours in the shop working to fabricate any necessary part for his projects and those of family and neighbors.

He had a kind and loving nature and whenever possible, offered his knowledge as well as his know-how. Steve's daily life was focused on the pillars of faith, family and friendships.  He was a loving husband who desired to be home at the side of his wife and best friend every night.  His company and companionship will be missed dearly by his family and all those who knew him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Murbach, at the home; daughter, Staci Kerner of Spokane, WA; sons, Shawn Murbach of Spokane, WA and Stephen Murbach (Amanda) of Scottdale, AZ; sisters, Kathleen Jalbert (Steve) of Spokane, WA and Dorothy Mohr (John) of Valley, WA; brother, Michael Murbach (Alice) of Chewelah, WA; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

The services for Mr. Stephen "Steve" A. Murbach will begin with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021 followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 1, 2021 at the St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Chewelah, WA.  The graveside service and vault interment will follow the Funeral Mass at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Jump Off Joe near Valley, WA.  Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.