Stephen M. Gradwohl

Of Elmira, NY Born 1942 in Walla Walla Washington died April 25 2002 at 5:30 AM due to a long battle with Lou Gehrig?s Disease. Steve is survived by his wife: Helen Watts Gradwohl, Mother Helen M. Gradwohl, predeceased by Father, Mayor Harold Gradwohl.Also survived by Sons, Derek & Jeremy Gradwohl, Step Son Jack Kellogg, Daughters, Rebecca Gradwohl & Jennifer Bradley, Brother: David B. Gradwohl, Sister Lynne M. Knauss. Two granddaughters & grandsons, two step grandsons & one step granddaughter. In-Laws: Virginia (Kenneth) Bush, Dorothy Evans, Jack (Gail) Watts, Martha Cicconi, Many loving nieces and Nephews. Steve graduated from Walla Walla High School Washington in 1960. From 1962-1970 he sold heavy equipment in Portland and Albuquerque, NM. He had a utility construction business for four years in Santa Fe, NM. Earning certification as an Irrigation Technologist in May 1981, he worked until 1985 in Libya and Saudi Arabia. He was also regional manager in Egypt for technical support and sales for Circle Irrigation Systems. For eight years after, he was supervisor of the computerized irrigation system at Disney World?s Epcot Theme Park in Orlando Florida. Steve loved his dog and everything to do with nature. After being diagnosed with ALS, Disney started him on a computer at home and he has used this as a window to the world ever since. In 1997 the Gradwohls moved back to Helen?s Elmira home to be near supportive family. Steve beat the odds and lived 4 years longer than anticipated.Within those 4 years he made the biggest impact on more peoples? lives than can be written in words.You will be missed by many and loved by all. Family & friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY on Sunday, April 28, 2002 from 7 to 8:00 PM with funeral services immediately following calling hours at 8:00 PM. Father Donald Matthews will officiate.Those wishing may make memorial donations to the ALS Association for Research, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91801. Those wishing may leave a ?Candle of Remembrance? at www.olthof.com.