Steven L. Schwab, 72, passed away on August 12, 2026.

Born in Union Gap, WA, he spent most of his life in the area of Auburn, WA.

Steve trained as a diesel mechanic and when his career turned to the Tacoma docks, he maintained and repaired the equipment that loaded and unloaded vehicles of all kinds including the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, Czechoslovakian tanks, Yugos, and other commodities. Regardless of his dedication to work, one of his greatest accomplishments was leaving work at age 56 with full retirement.

Steve’s enduring passion was drag racing. An owner, driver, mechanic, crewman, Jack-of-all-trades, and cook, he spent hundreds of weekends at tracks all over North America.

Steve created lasting friendships while playing and umpiring softball for many years. He was also an impassioned advocate for animal rescue, bonding with many homeless animals.

Although he never really unwound, to relax from the pressures of work, racing, and fixing every vehicle that he was asked to work on, Steve was an avid fisherman and hunter. He owned several boats over time, and organized many fishing trips on the Columbia for salmon or whatever was biting. Elk camp had a special place on Steve’s calendar, and he organized every trip with his trademark attention to detail.

Steve was a loving, generous man whose last act of charity was giving the gift of sight to two people via donation.

He is missed by his wife Mareth, his daughters Kati and Jamie, their families, and many, many, many, lifelong friends and family members.