Obituary of Stephen Eric Kaschenbach

Stephen E. Kaschenbach, age 71 of Sweet Valley, passed away in his home on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. His wife of 25 years, the former Paula McGowan and his best friend, Toby, were by his side. Possessed of a strong constitution and a will to live, he fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born in Wilkes-Barre to the former Carl and Lois (Hangen) Kaschenbach in 1948. He was a graduate of Dallas High School where he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete. Steve was one of Dallas' early wrestling champions, winning a district title in his senior year. Steve also placed as a district finalist in pole vaulting several years running. Steve went on to wrestle for Wilkes College under Coach John Reese and became Middle Atlantic Conference champion at his pinnacle. Steve retired after 27 years as a teacher in the Dallas School District. He was one of the original hand full of employees who had attended Dallas School District for 12 years and would eventually attain a teaching position in that school. Steve also served as both an assistant and head wrestling coach, affectionately known as "Goat", at the junior and senior high school for 17 years. Steve had a life long interest in things mechanical and in residential construction. As a result, he ended up building several homes in the Back Mountain for friends and associates during summers and in his spare time. Never one to remain idle, after his teaching career, he helped several family members establish and operate Lakeway Beverage in Dallas. Steve became a partner for 7 years, then continued participating in the development and work required to make it the successful business it became. In later years, he took pride in his collection of vintage American "muscle" cars which he maintained in pristine condition. Steve had a penchant for local history and could reminisce with the best when it came to Dallas and Back Mountain events. Steve loved things outdoors, collecting weather data, hiking through Pennsylvania's woods, traveling with Paula in his motor home to natural attractions across the United States or simply admiring the spectacular view he never tired of, from his mountain home. He was an avid golfer and belonged to the Irem Temple and enjoyed golfing at many golf courses with his friends. Steve was a devout Penn State wrestling fan, attending many home meets with John and friends. He was preceded in death by mother, Lois, father, Carl, stepmother, Elizabeth (Galletly), sister, Cynthia Cave. Steve is survived by his loving and devoted wife, the former Paula McGowan; sisters, Karen Griffith and her husband Robert of Hallstead and Allison Maier and her husband Edward of Dallas; brothers, Carl and his wife Adele of Dallas, John and his wife Kathleen of Sweet Valley and Jay Galletly and his wife Donna of St. Mary's, GA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. David Greenwald and his staff for their compassion, understanding and professional handling of Steve's medical challenges during this very difficult period. It would also like to recognize and thank the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for its humane end-of-life services. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Chip Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Rd, Dallas, PA 18612.