Remembering Steve Laudenslager
Steve Laudenslager (December 1, 1964-July 19, 2010)
Steve Laudenslager, a former CAP volunteer and employee, passed away in July after a sudden illness. He was 45.
Steve first came to CAP and the Jackson House as a long-term volunteer in 1998, serving in Housing and then later as a volunteer host for groups. He eventually became employed at CAP as a Volunteer Life Coordinator, overseeing volunteers in several houses.
Steve left CAP in 2002, but was back in 2004 as a short-term volunteer at WorkFest. The Kentucky bug bit again, and Steve ended up staying in Kentucky after WorkFest, working as the Group Host until 2007. In March 2010, CAP was blessed to have Steve serve with us again in the Groups program. He ended his volunteer time in July, just two weeks before his death.
When Steve wasn’t serving eastern Kentucky, he was giving of himself to his other passion, his ministry in Texas and Mexico. Steve lived in the border town of Edinburg, Texas, and from 1994 until his death periodically served at a church in Texas and a sister church in Mexico. An ordained minister, Steve preached through an interpreter, and over the years taught Sunday school and participated in building programs and other outreach in Mexico. Steve had been in Texas and away from CAP for three years when he returned to WorkFest in March, but it didn’t take long for him to fit right back in like he’d never left.
He came to help out at Camp AJ, but Steve ended up filling in as an assistant crew leader at WorkFest when another volunteer became ill.
For so many people, Steve represented everything Christian Appalachian Project aspires to be. For many who came to know Steve through the Groups program, he literally was the face of CAP, and we couldn’t have had a better representative. For the many generations of volunteers who knew Steve as a housemate, fellow volunteer, or employee, Steve provided an unparalleled example of humble servitude. Whether he was in the kitchen or out on the jobsite, Steve would do whatever was needed. No matter what you asked of him, you could be assured he would respond with a “Not a problem, ma’am,” or “Don’t worry about it, sir.” Christ was the center of Steve’s life, which was obvious to anyone who knew him.
Steve’s church family in Texas celebrated his life with a funeral in Edinburg, and members of his CAP family gathered at St. Paul’s in McKee for a memorial service. We invite you to share your memories of Steve below. Steve is survived by an aunt in Pennsylvania, and we will send these messages to her.
I am very sorry to hear of Steves passing; I have fond memories of him from my first time at WorkFest and how he kept everything running so smoothly, plus his hospitality friendliness to all of us who attended. I also remember Steve from my time as a CAP volunteer all of the hard work he put in not only for hosting the groups, but for the things he did for us. I am also thankful to him for helping me out during an emergency situation during my time there and I will never forget his kindness and willingness to help anyone, at any time.
Many prayers for Steve and his family.
R. Lindsey – CAP Volunteer (April 2005 – July 2006)
I have several memories of Steve Laudenslager. One in particular was back when we were both volunteers. One weekend, we were counselors/leaders for a teen retreat at Camp A.J. Several of us leaders were staying in a cabin with a bunch of teenage boys. During the night, some of the teens were being loud and keeping everyone up. In addition, it was hard to sleep and keep warm because the windows were open (it was October.) Amongst, the shivering and the noise from the teens was a heavy breathing sound coming from a corner bunk. It was Steve huddled in his sleeping bag snoring away. He was absolutely oblivious to what was going on and I think the only one in the cabin sleeping. I told him about it the next morning and he just laughed and said, I was warm and comfortable in that sleeping bag I slept good. Years later, Id still bring up that night to him.
Todd Mullholand
(CAP Volunteer 98-99)
Steve was the first person I met with CAP. I got off a plane in February 2002 and he was there to meet me. We talked as we drove to the volunteer houses near CAP headquarters. He spoke very fondly of his time with CAP and by the time we arrived at the volunteer house I felt confirmation that I had made the right decision. I was where I was supposed to be. Friendly and genuine, he had a great sense of humor and made you feel at ease. Throughout the fourteen months I spent in Kentucky, I looked forward to running into Steve at volunteer events (we were in different geographic parts of the CAP). My sympathy to his family, including his CAP family. Blessings to you all.
Karen Shultz
CAP Volunteer 2002-2003
I met Steve at Workfest 2010. When my assistant crew leader became ill, Steve immediately stepped up and filled in for him. I was lucky enough to share a ride to Clay County from Camp AJ for a few mornings with Steve. During that time, Steve told endless CAP stories from his days as a long term volunteer. I started and ended each day laughing about the adventures Steve had had in KY. Right away it was very clear to me that Steve cared about and gave to so many people without asking for anything in return. My thoughts and prayers go out to Steves family.
Dana Nevins
(CAP Volunteer 08-09)
To my family at CAP,
I am sorry to hear of Steves passing. I was blessed to spend some time visiting with him this past March at Camp AJ. He has always been, in my mind what CAP is all about, giving of ones self in service to others.
He always had a smile and would always slip me extra food in the food line. I will miss him at Camp AJ. I wish my 3 boys could have met him so I could show them how to be Christian Gentlemen. Rest in Peace Steve.