Ralph Helmuth Steding

Lt. Colonel Ralph H. Steding, 83, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away on Thursday, August 17^th ,2023 at Womack Army Hospital, NC.  He was born on November 24^th, 1939, in Breman, Germany, the son of Ferdinand Albert and Marie Steding.  He was a US Air Force veteran where he served for 27 years. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, MarLiese Neuber and Marga Van Note and brother, Walter Steding.   He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Heidi, who he married on December 9^th, 1961.  They were married for 61 wonderful years, sons Michael Steding of Fayetteville, Ralph and daughter-in-law Ellen Steding of Savannah, GA, Brian Steding of Wilmington, NC and grandson, Oskar Gamboni Steding of Spartanburg, SC.

Lt. Colonel Steding joined the Air Force as an Airman in 1959 spending most of his career with the Strategic Air Command as a navigator on B-52’s and B-58’s, having flown over 100 combat missions over Vietnam.  A graduate of the Air Force Air War College in 1977, he also earned a Masters Degree from Troy University. 

He was stationed as Deputy Commander of the 50^th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany from 1983 to 1986 when he retired. 

After his military career, Ralph was an avid teacher of Tai Chi, coach of youth soccer, baseball and tennis.  He and Heidi were heavily involved in their church, Pope Chapel, for over 30 years.

The countless lives he influenced and touched has left a legacy for generations to come.  He will be fondly remembered and missed by many.

The viewing will be held on Monday, August 28^th from 6:00-8:00pm at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service, 610 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 29^th at 1:00pm at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service with the Military burial to follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake at 2:00pm. 

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.