Everyone at The Bullvine would like to send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Steve.
Steven A. Hendress, 68, of Wolcott passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2021, surrounded by his family.
He was born May 5th, 1953 in Lafayette, IN to the late William Albert & Lois Hendress of Wolcott. Steve was a 1971 graduate of Wolcott High School, and earned a Bachelors Degree of Science from Purdue University in 1975. He met the love of his life, Lydia (Rogers), at the White County Fair and later married her on September 6th, 1975.
Steve’s devotion to his family shined throughout his life. He loved the annual family trip to Sanibel Island and could always be seen on the beach collecting and sharing his seashell findings. His support to his wife and children was unsurpassed, always willing to do whatever he could to help. He led by example, with his farming work ethic and love for family. The memories of time spent with his grandchildren from rocking babies to driving tractors will be cherished forever.
His love of the dairy cattle industry and the Brown Swiss breed came from the family farm, Hoosier Knoll Farms. He spent the majority of his career spreading his love of the dairy industry to all. Steve bred and exhibited his Brown Swiss cow, Monay, who won the coveted Supreme Champion title at the 1994 World Dairy Expo. In 2016, Steve was awarded an honorary American FFA degree. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Brown Swiss Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame. He also received a lifetime pass to the Indiana State Fair for his work over the years. In 2020, he was given the Purdue College of Agriculture Outstanding Service to Students Award.
Steve shared his knowledge and passion of the dairy industry for over 20 years at the Purdue University Dairy Research and Education Center and was the collegiate coach and mentor to the Purdue Dairy Judging Team. His love and support for his students will be his legacy at Purdue University. Steve was also an international Dairy Judge, highlighted with opportunities in Argentina, Ecuador, Columbia, South Korea and the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lydia Hendress; his three children Seth (Erica) Hendress, Shea (Cortney) Hendress, and Laci (Todd) Steinhauer. He was a proud Papa to six grandchildren Oliver, Knox, Lake, Quinn, Sawyer and Finn Hendress. Also surviving are his brothers Jerry (Mara), Jim (Marcy), and Jeff (Deanna) Hendress and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents William Albert and Lois Hendress.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held on November 13th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds (East Wing – 1406 Teal Rd, Lafayette, IN 47905). Memorial service to commence at 12:30.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Steve Hendress Service Scholarship
(Steve Hendress Scholarship in Animal Science Endowment).
Donate directly here or make checks payable to the Purdue for Life Foundation- Memo Steve Hendress Service Scholarship (Steve Hendress Scholarship in Animal Science Endowment) 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907
