Steven Frederick Hanschu, 62, of Emporia, died April 10, 2015, at Newman Regional Health, Emporia.

Steven was born May 26, 1952, in Herington, Kansas, the son of Theodore and Aileen Bird Hanschu. He grew up on a farm near Ramona in north Marion County, graduating Centre High School in 1970. He attended Kansas State Teacher’s College, now Emporia State University, in Emporia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1974, a master’s in library science in 1976 from Emporia Kansas State College, and a Master of Science in history in 1978 from ESU. In the spring of 1972, he began working as a student assistant in William Allen White Library until he was hired full time in 1979. Over the past 36 years he has served in various positions in public services.

Steven was known in the community for his love of Emporia history and advocating history preservation. In 1978, he founded Emporians for History Preservation, which later merged with the Lyon County Historical Society. He served on the historical society board of trustees for 34 years. Steven also shared his knowledge of Emporia history by serving on the board of directors for Emporia Main Street and the Design Committee, the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance, and Plumb Place. He also served on the board of directors for Emporia State Federal Credit Union, Emporia Friends of the Library, and the Kansas Preservation Alliance. Steven was the author of ESU’s 150th celebration book Emporia State University and the coauthor of Emporia a history of the community.

Steven’s greatest joy was in serving his Lord. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He was baptized into Jesus Christ as an infant and on April 3, 1966, he publicly confessed Jesus as His Lord and Savior through the rite of Confirmation. He served his Lord and his Church on various committees, offices, the Board of Elders for 34 years and as chairman of the Harvest Home Festival. He was also active in Lutheran Hour Ministries serving as District President. He was also presently serving on the Kansas District LC-MS Board of Directors. In 2001, he completed work to become a credentialed deacon in the Kansas District, providing pulpit assistance to congregations in the area when needed. Steven also enjoyed gardening and refinishing furniture.

Steven is survived by his wife, Beth Krehbiel, whom he met at William Allen White Library. Married on May 30, 1981, they enjoyed nearly 34 years of happiness together. God blessed their marriage with two sons, Matthew and his wife Amanda of Lenexa and Jared of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by his mother Aileen, sister Linda Bradley and husband Wayne of Topeka, brother-in-laws Kenton Krehbiel and wife Shelia of Colby, and Kevin Krehbiel and wife Sue of Inman. Also surviving are three aunts and one uncle, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service was to be Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Emporia. Burial was to follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia.

Memorial contributions to Messiah Lutheran Church, ESU Scholarships, or the Lyon County Historical Society may be sent in care of the funeral home. You can leave online condolences at www.robertsblue.com.