NIEHENKE, StephenWestonStephen Weston Niehenke, 75 of Spokane, WA passed away late Thursday, October 27, 2016 while surrounded by family. Stephen was born on March 26, 1941 in Colfax, WA to Albert and Cecil Niehenke. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Colfax High School in 1959. After high school Stephen proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before attending Lewis & Clark State College to become a teacher. Steve's aspiration to be a teacher was cut short when he was needed back at the farm to take over because of his father's failing health.In 1970, Stephen married Muriel Rolando. They had three children Keith, John, and Kiyomi. Stephen was a great mentor to his children by teaching them everything he knew. This included how to cook, butcher, woodworking, fix machinery, hunting, and fishing. He was also very active in supporting his children with their music during the 1980s and took them to fiddle lessons and various fiddle contests around the country.Stephen divorced in 1987 and moved up to Spokane, WA where he used the skills he learned during his lifetime of farming to work construction. He worked on construction projects all over the Northwest before retiring.After he retired, Stephen was very active at the Mid-City Senior Center where he would help out and donate items. He was always good at listening and talking to people and he always loved to tell jokes. He was also a member of Our Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He would spend a lot of time reading books, cooking, listening to music, and watching old Western movies.Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; brother Eugene and sister Joanne Worden. He is survived by his children Keith (Julie) Niehenke, John Niehenke, and Kiyomi Van Tine. He also left behind a sister Diana (Dan) Rosen and six grandchildren.A memorial service will be held at the Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe St, Spokane, WA on Friday November 11, 2016 at 11:00 am.Memorial contributions can be made in Stephen's name to The Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest, 5700 N Drury, Otis Orchards, WA 99027 or to The Mid-City Senior Center, 1222 W. 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.