Steven Ralph Barkdoll Obituary – York Dispatch

Steven Ralph Barkdoll, 70, of Dover PA passed away at York Hospital on June 11, 2023, after a fall. He was the husband of Christine (Fischer) Barkdoll with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February.

Born December 21, 1952 in York PA, he was the son of the late Ralph R. and Mary K. (Jones) Barkdoll.

Steve was the owner and operator of Trail Nurseries with his wife Chris for 20 years. Upon retirement, he and Chris continued their passion for growing flowers and operated their retail greenhouse they named “Why Not” for 10 years. Prior to these ventures, Steve was a plumber/pipe fitter for Local 520. He worked the majority of those years for C. J. Beshore and Sons in York.

Steve was a 1970 graduate of York Suburban High School, a past-president of the Dover Area Jaycees, member of the Corvette Club of York, and served on the Dover Township Zoning and Hearing Board.

Steve had a wide variety of interests and rarely sat idle. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, cooking, and canning and freezing his produce. It gave him joy to give the surplus to friends, family and the Dover Food Bank. Steve usually had some sort of woodworking project underway and would design and build whatever he set his mind on. He was a collector of knives, coins, and wine and delighted in studying them all. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but also loved observing and caring for birds, butterflies, deer, owls, fox and other wildlife on his property. He had great interest in science and used clever ways to explain and share his knowledge. Steve had a kind heart, helping others whenever needed. His final act of kindness was organ donation which is allowing many others to live because of him.

In addition to his wife, Steve is also survived by a daughter Erin B. Longstreet and her husband John “Jack” Longstreet of York PA, a granddaughter, Lana R. Longstreet of York PA, a brother, David Lee Barkdoll of York PA and a sister, Ferne R. Brown of Brentwood CA, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 26, 2023 at Etzweiler Funeral Home, 1111 East Market St., York PA. Prior to the service will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Following the service, burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of York County, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York PA 17406, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market St. York PA.

www.etzweilerfuneralhome.com