Steven Albert Relka

January 7, 1950 – September 12, 2025

Steven “Steve” Albert Relka, 75, of Weiser, passed away on September 12, 2025. Steve was born in Weiser, Idaho, on January 7, 1950, to Albert and Helen Relka. He graduated from Weiser High School in 1968. On September 5, 1971, Steve married the love of his life, Jackie Williams. Together they raised two loving daughters. Steve was a devoted husband, father, papa, brother, and friend.

From a young age, Steve showed remarkable grit and determination. At just 12 years old, he fibbed about his age—claiming to be 15—so he could buck hay and fight fires to help support his mom and siblings.  That strong work ethic stayed with him for life. He worked for Idaho Power Company for 29 years, beginning as a meter reader before becoming a lineman. It was during those years that he met his lifelong best friend and hunting partner, Greg White.

Steve was the kind of man who could build or repair anything. He single-handedly constructed a split-rail fence around 23 acres of his and Jackie’s property, using nothing but reclaimed Idaho Power poles after long days of working at Idaho Power. Whether it was remodeling Lindsi and Daniel’s home in Colorado, fixing up cars for his grandkids, or tackling endless projects for Randi and Troy, Steve could always be counted on to share his time and skills.  

In retirement, Steve and Jackie enjoyed winters in Arizona, yard sales, and trips to the casino. Though we are not quite sure how much he enjoyed it, Steve spent much of his free time refinishing furniture for Jackie’s Primitives in the Country. More than anything, if Steve wasn’t in the mountains, he was happiest when he was helping those he loved.

While Steve could have a gruff exterior, he had the biggest heart for his grandkids and great grandkids. If he was smiling in a picture it was because he was holding a fish, a set of elk horns or one of his grandkids. He was blessed with daughters and granddaughters that meant the world to him, but he had a special bond with his only grandson, Cortlyn. They spent countless hours hunting and fishing together as soon as Cort was old enough to hold a fishing pole or gun. There will never be another Papa Steve, but his legacy will carry on through the stories, traditions and family memories.

Spending time in the outdoors with family and friends was Steve’s greatest joy in life. Steve was an incredible outdoorsman. Steve’s passion for hunting started when he would go on backcountry pack trips with his brother-in-law, Lee (Frankie).  In 1989, Steve and Greg began archery hunting elk together. They spent countless hours scouting and finding the perfect hunting spots. Steve was very successful as a hunter and fisherman. He was able to feed his entire family for decades with elk, deer, salmon, steelhead, crappie, and waterfowl. In his downtime while scouting for the upcoming archery season, he picked gallons (and gallons and gallons) of huckleberries, making sure his family had an endless supply for cobblers and pancakes. Steve was very well liked and respected by his fellow sportsmen—he truly was the king of the mountain.

Above all, Steve will be remembered for his humility, patience, humor, generosity, and tenacity. He lived a life of quiet strength and truly did live life to the fullest. To know Steve was to admire him—his life and memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughters Randi (Troy) Davies and Lindsi (Daniel) Blanco; grandchildren Cortlyn (Kacee) Davies, Chloe (Samson) Davies-Turner, Kendra (Alex) Dovalina, DJ Blanco (Kerrieanne), Hailey Rodman (Mason Byrne), and Livi Rodman; great-grandchildren Lawson and Miles Davies-Turner and Luxton Byrne; and sisters Diana (Frank) Carter, Cathy Adams, and Jodene (Larry) Maxa.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Sunnyside Farm & Events in Weiser from 1–3 p.m. In honor of Steve, hot dogs, Coca-Cola, popcorn, and sides will be served—simple pleasures that he always enjoyed. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life of a truly one-of-a-kind man.