Steven Lynn Casey, 78

Steven Lynn Casey was born April 30, 1949, in Boise, Idaho, the first child of Mildred Norton Casey and Walter Orville Casey. His family valued hard work, humor and service to others, traits he carried throughout his life. His grandfather, William Orville Casey, who was blind, owned a dairy farm and became known for his remarkable ability to judge livestock. In 1975, Governor Cecil Andrus dedicated a wing of the Gooding School for the Deaf and Blind to Orville, the school’s first graduate in 1915, and in 1953, he opened Casey’s Corner, a concession stand in the Idaho Statehouse. Steve and his siblings grew up in the Statehouse, treating the building as a playground where they often got scolded by the governor. They loved pranking visitors by placing a quarter on the rotunda floor and waiting for someone to notice.

Steve entered the newly built Capital High School in 1966 as a junior and made many lifelong friends with whom he has stayed in contact for all these years. He served as senior class vice president, wrestled, and ran cross country. The teachers and coaches he met there greatly influenced him, and he proudly graduated in 1967. He loved attending class reunions to reconnect and share stories.

In the fall of 1967, Steve enrolled at the University of Idaho. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and, true to his character, built lasting friendships with fellow students and fraternity brothers. He initially studied architecture before discovering his passion for education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 and his Master of Education in 1978.

College also brought Steve the love of his life in 1969, Linda Stephenson, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Steve worked as a hasher at the Theta house, and after a playful argument one afternoon about setting the Sunday dress dinner table, he picked up Linda, placed her in the Kitchen sink, and soaked her. The laughter that followed marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. They married Dec. 18, 1971, in the Lambda Chi Chapter House, with friends from both houses helping create a memorable celebration. This year would mark their 54th anniversary. 

Steve began his teaching career in 1973 at Lowell Scott Junior High in Meridan. His son, Jeff, was born in 1975, and in 1977, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, where Steve taught math at Lakes Middle School. His daughter, Tara, arrived in 1978. In 1981, he began his administrative career at Lakeland Junior High, and in 1985, he returned to Lakes as vice principal. In 1989, he moved to Coeur d’Alene High School as VP and became principal in 1993 when Lake City High School was built. One of his proudest moments came in 2000 when he was named Idaho Principal of the Year. Known as a prankster, he delighted and surprised students and staff with characters like “Mr. Renaissance” and performed outrageous fetes during opening assemblies. Through his lighthearted spirit and humor, he showed a deep commitment to student success and growth, always working to make school a place where every student felt they belonged.

Steve built lasting relationships in education and the community. He joined organizations, volunteered when help was needed, coached several sports, and supported countless students in academics, athletics and beyond. His family often joked that he knew everyone in town because he could rarely walk anywhere in Coeur d’Alene without being stopped for a friendly conversation. His happiest place was at the family property on Coeur d’Alene Lake, where the Caseys spent countless days boating, swimming, watching sunsets, sitting around the fire, telling stories and enjoying Fourth of July fireworks.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Tara (John) and Jeff; brother Greg (Julia); sister Carlee (Janina); grandchildren; and extended family. Family was near and dear to Steve. The family would like to thank all the close friends and community members who have reached out during this difficult time. 

He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, compassion and care that touched countless lives, and he will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red and Blue Foundation.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of the final arrangements. Please visit Steve’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guestbook.