Stephen J. Trechter

Stephen Joseph Trechter, born on October 17th, 1941 passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 at his home of 45 years on Sugar Hill, in Watkins Glen with his loving family nearby.  

He was born in Great Bend and raised in Manhattan, Kansas. After attending seminary school he studied at Kansas State University and began his career as an English professor in DeKalb, Illinois and then Frostburg, Maryland before moving to Sugar Hill (Watkins Glen) in 1978, and teaching until his retirement from the Campbell-Savona School District. 

Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathy, his sisters Marilyn and Sara, his sons James Truxon (wife, Amy) and Samuel (wife, Heather), his daughter Kate Alfaro, his grandchildren Maria, Jeremy, Layla, Zoey, Lara, and Flynn and his nieces and nephews, Ben, Hannah, and Daniel and their families. 

Stephen’s real calling in life was working on their small farm with his wife Kathy for the last 45 years. He was a master gardener, grew fruit trees and blueberries, produced maple syrup, and at various times raised sheep, cows, goats, pigs, and chickens. Home for him, and a day's labor, often meant digging a full garden bed or splitting a cord of firewood by hand. He was also a music lover, an intellectual, a poet, and a writer. He leaves behind a philosophy and quiet model of hard work, environmental conservation, and minimalist living that will continue to be passed forward. 

Stephen was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He had a kind heart and sense of humor. He loved music, cooking pancakes, crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family. His time with us will be forever remembered and missed. 

A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at a later date. You may leave a memory or condolence for the family to read in his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.  Stephen would be most pleased if donations were made in his name to The Finger Lakes Land Trust- an organization he strongly supported as it seeks to protect land and keep it in its natural state in the Finger Lakes region.