Dr. Stephen J. Ferro

Dr. Stephen J. Ferro, 84, of Topeka, passed from this life on the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026, at his beloved and long-time home on Lake Sherwood, surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

He was born January 5, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Newton Ferro and Thelma Katherine (Smith) Ferro. He graduated from University High School in 1959, earned his degree from Long Beach State University, and received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the School of Podiatric in San Francisco. From 1964 to 1966, he served his country honorably in the United States Army as a Medical Technician.

In 1978, Dr. Ferro was hand-selected to establish a Podiatry Department for the VA Hospital in Topeka, KS. As a veteran himself, he dedicated his thirty-five-year career to caring for his fellow veterans. He retired in 2013.

Steve was greatly revered and respected by his patients and colleagues who knew him as Dr. Ferro. To those who loved him most, he was simply Steve or more affectionately Pepa. Steve may have been a man of few words, but his actions said it all. He was gentle. He was genuine. He was the kindest soul in any room he entered. His family always felt the warmth of his ever-present love which shone through in the twinkle of his eyes and his soft smile.

His wife, Audrey (Baer) Erdman Ferro was his world and centered around her. It all began with a blind date on Thanksgiving Day, 1978 — and from that moment, she was his heart and his compass. Five years later, on December 3, 1983, he stood beside her and made it forever, and the way he loved her set the tone for everything in that household.

Together as "Pepa" and "Mema," he and Audrey made their home on Lake Sherwood a place of warmth, laughter, and belonging where the grandchildren were always welcome and never rushed. Pepa would get down on the floor without hesitation — to play, to build, to simply be present — for as long as they wanted, in whatever world they dreamed up. He gave them the greatest gift a person can give: his whole, unhurried self.

Stephen had a deep love for the water in all its forms — sailing, boating, and quietly taking in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset from the shore. One of his greatest joys was watching the Fourth of July fireworks from his beloved pontoon boat — and in typical Pepa fashion, he delighted in letting the grandchildren take the wheel, trusting them with something he loved while quietly keeping them safe. He was a remarkable reader and a living encyclopedia of knowledge, a fact his family knew well — he had no equal at the trivia table. He and Audrey shared a love of travel and were especially at home on the open seas aboard a cruise ship.

His final days were a gift wrapped in love — filled with tears, laughter, and the irreplaceable comfort of family gathered close until the very last breath. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the teams at Stormont's Emergency Room, SICU, and Midland Hospice, who brought not only exceptional care but warmth and compassion during one of the most difficult weeks of our lives. A heartfelt thank you to Julia, Stephanie, and Raelynn, who answered one call and moved mountains — bringing Grandpa home, where he belonged, within hours. Dove Funeral Home carried him away with great dignity, honoring him with a playing of Taps — a sendoff befitting a veteran, a doctor, and a beloved Pepa.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Erdman Ferro of Topeka, KS; step-daughters Cathy Erdman Ross (John) of Lawrence, KS, and Pam Erdman Blicker (Brian) of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Sarah Erdman Durino (John) of Perry, KS, Elizabeth Ross of Lawrence, KS, Aubrey Erdman VandeVelde of Lyndon, KS, and Weller Ross (Gabrielle) of Houston, TX; sister Leah Ferro Niskala, Palm Desert, CA; brothers Frank Ferro of Oxnard, CA, and Mike Ferro of Ventura, CA; as well as Michelle Tercero (niece), Luke Ferro (nephew) and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Thelma Ferro, and his stepson, Michael W. Erdman.

There will be a private family memorial service held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice in the name of Dr. Stephen J. Ferro.

To share a memory of Stephen or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook at www.dovetopeka.com/obituaries.