Steven Mark Boleski

November 2, 1961 ~ February 13, 2021
Steven Mark Boleski, born in Wichita, KS to Don and Mary Kay Boleski on November 2, 1961 passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Steve was a devoted husband and has been married to Kris for 29 years. They met through Kris’s cousin and after Kris proved she was a Chiefs fan, he knew she was the one. They married on August 30, 1991 and started a family a few years later. The children became Steve’s pride and joy and he spent his weekends cheering on Paige, Erica, Lauren, Joe and Reagan in all of their activities. Steve truly loved his family and loved sharing their successes and when he did he beamed with pride.
In addition to his family, Steve was an active member of the Wichita community for many years. After he graduated from Wichita State University, he went to work for Dean Witter, which was part of the Sears Financial Network. He stayed with this company through their many changes and today it is known as Morgan Stanley. Steve was the Senior Vice President of the Boleski Group and recently celebrated 35 years at the firm.
Steve loved the Shockers! Steve had offers to work in bigger cities but it seemed that although Kris would move, Wichita State would not. He graduated in 1985 with a degree in Finance. Over the years, Steve remained extremely close to the University, especially the athletic department. He was involved in many development activities and served as the president of SASO.
One of Steve’s favorite hobbies was photography. He loved to photograph both nature and sports. He traveled as far as Alaska to photograph bald eagles and grizzly bears. In the last few years, he was able to ride along with storm chasers and fulfill his dream of photographing severe weather. Some of Steve’s photographs earned awards from the Wichita Eagle newspaper, particularly those of the Kapaun Mount Carmel Women’s soccer team. Although he was an award-winning photographer, Steve’s most prized photos were of his children playing soccer and tennis.
Steve was a man of faith which was evident in the way he lived his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and centered his life around his Catholic faith.
Viewing will begin at 2 pm Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be held at 5 pm on Friday, February 19, 2021; Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Survived by his wife, Kristine (Durst) Boleski; daughters, Paige Boleski, Erica Boleski, Lauren Boleski, Reagan Boleski; son, Joseph Boleski; parents, Donald and Mary Kay Boleski; brother, Jeff Boleski; sister, Donna (Curtis) Hernandez.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford, Wichita, KS 67206.
Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
My deepest sympathies go out to Kris, Paige, Erica, Joe, Lauren, and Reagan. It is truly heartbreaking that a man with so much love of family, friends, and God should be taken way too soon. May all the wonderful memories help provide comfort during this sad time.
Steve was a very compassionate and caring man. Proof of this was in 2019 he approached my sisters and I and asked when our mothers birthday was. We told him and he proceeded to pay for and sponsor a beautiful birthday party for my mother at Ya Yas. It was a beautiful party and one of the most kindest gestures I’ve ever witnessed. The world will definitely miss this man. My family and I sure will.
Steve was an excellent financial advisor, and an even better friend. We will miss him, and we’ll continue to pray for his family. Mark & Sarah Stolz
Steve & I shared many a lunch @ Felipe’s. We teased each other about having an office there. Steve always asked to tag along to our farm to photograph wildlife – I always said we’d get that done “one day”… I miss you my dear friend- you were a rare mix of integrity, sincerity & kindness- Russ Clopine
We were so saddened to learn of Steve’s death. We knew him through his expertise at Morgan Stanley and we came to trust him as a financial advisor AND friend. Marcia and I offer our sincere condolences to the family and to his colleagues at Morgan Stanley. He was taken from us much too early and he will be dearly missed by many. We hope you can be cheered by good memories of his life and that you will be comforted by the words of the Scottish poet, Thomas Campbell: “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Steve will remain large in many hearts….
Steve became our broker many years ago, but as the years passed, we considered him a friend, not just our broker. At every meeting, after done with “business”, we heard about things the kids were doing, or his trips to Alaska, or his storm chasing escapades. We were deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing and we will miss him terribly. Our deepest sympathies to his family and his Morgan Stanley family as well.
Steve and I worked together for Dean Witter starting out in the bullpen in 1985. One day I was talking with John and Pat Bronikowski when they overheard Steve say his last name and John ever so subtly said to Pat maybe we should talk to him. Blessed to have that memory of Steve and so many more. Dakin Cramer
I’m so sad to hear of Steve’s passing. My deepest sympathies to his family. Praying that God will grant them His peace that passes all understanding. Steve was a great man. I’ve known him for over 40 years. He was an wonderful friend that would do anything for you. Outstanding family man and a person of the highest character. The world would be a better plan with more “Steves”. He will be missed!
Steve was a great guy. I don’t know anybody who didn’t have a lot of respect for Steve. He was thought highly of and will always be remembered. Ted Mason
Don and Mary Kay We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and family. Jack and Bev Parker
We were very sad to hear of Steve’s untimely loss. Steve had been our broker for over 30 years. He was an exceptional broker, and quickly became a friend. We looked forward to our meetings with Steve, often having business segue into personal discussions — our children, our travel (Alaska being one we had in common), etc. Steve guided us through life. He was a good mentor to follow. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to Steve’s family.
We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve. He was special! Our hearts break for the void that he has left in us. My memories are many as I taught him in fifth grade. He grew up to be such a gift to this community, his church and his family. Please accept our sympathies and know that you will be in our prayers. He left a wonderful family to carry on his legacy. Greg and Karen Hund Perkins