Stephen A. Aschenbrenner

Stephen A. Aschenbrenner (Ash), 80, was born on August 13, 1945 in Hays, Kansas and died on May 16, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas. The family moved to a farm in Brewster, Kansas when he was 5 and lived there until graduation in 1963. He then attended Fort Hays University graduating in 1967 and earned a Master’s Degree in 1972. He taught 2 years at Fontana, Kansas and 37 years at Wichita County High School in Leoti, Kansas teaching History and Constitution. He also coached football, basketball, and golf and was the Athletic Director. Coached in the Shrine Bowl in 1982. In 2006 he retired and moved to Topeka to be closer to his son and grandchildren watching them play sports and other activities. Steve loved K-State football, the Royals, Chiefs and golfing with his friends.

He is survived by his wife Carol (they met at Fort Hays University and married January 27, 1968 in Dodge City, Kansas), his son Stephen Todd and his wife Diane (Sheern) Aschenbrenner of Manhattan, Kansas and grandchildren Dayne Houston Aschenbrenner, Bodyn Crager Aschenbrenner, and Brooklynn Anabel Aschenbrenner all of Manhattan, Kansas. His daughter Kristin Jan Aschenbrenner passed away March 14, 2025. He is also survived by his brothers, Phillip (Phyliss) Aschenbrenner of Denver, Colorado, Tom Aschenbrenner (Juanita) of Brewster, Kansas, Nick Aschenbrenner (Lisa) of Bonner Springs, Kansas, and sister Rose Marie of the state of Washington, brother-in-law Ron Swenson of Lake Ridge, Virginia and many cousins, nephews, nieces, uncles and aunts. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Philip Aschenbrenner and Rosa (Schuster) of Colby, Kansas, maternal grandparents, John and Theresa (Augustine) Weber of Ellis, Kansas, his parents Steve Aschenbrenner and Thresia (Weber) of Brewster, Kansas, brother John Aschenbrenner, sister Thresia Rose Aschenbrenner, sister-in-law Janice (Houston) Swenson, sister-in-law Sandra (Aschenbrenner) Gaede, brother-in-law Roy Houston, niece Keri Aschenbrenner, and nephew Jason Aschenbrenner.

Services will begin with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, Kansas, 66604. Followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., and Reception there-after from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions go to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606, or to the Topeka Fire Department at 324 SE Jefferson St, Topeka, KS 66607.