Born
on January 6, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Steve was the second
child of John and Dolores Clift LeSueur. Steve grew up in Burbank,
California, with his brothers David and Jeff and his sister Diana. He
married Kathleen Reeder on March 26, 1986, in Washington, Utah. They
moved from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Arlington, Virginia, in 1989 and
have lived in the Glencarlyn neighborhood ever since.
Steve
received undergraduate degrees in history and psychology from Brigham
Young University, a master’s degree in history from George Mason
University, and was an economics teaching fellow at the University of
Utah. During his college years he served as a missionary in Norway for
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Steve pursued a
career as a journalist and magazine editor, working for various defense
and technology publications. In addition, he was a published author and
highly regarded Mormon historian. His first book, The 1838 Mormon War in
Missouri, (University of Missouri Press, 1987) won the 1987 Best Book
award from the John Whitmer Historical Association. More recently, he
wrote Life and Death on the Mormon Frontier: The Murders of Frank
LeSueur and Gus Gibbons by the Wild Bunch (Greg Kofford Books, 2023).
His essays and articles on Mormon history have been published in
numerous journals and books. His final book, Every Man a Prophet (Greg
Kofford Books, 2025) was a novel exploring missionary life.
Steve’s
generosity, enthusiasm, wit and varied skills made him a valued
contributor to community activities. These included editing school and
neighborhood newsletters, coaching his children’s recreation basketball
teams from elementary through high school, and, most recently, helping
to organize a speakers program at his local library branch.
His
sense of humor and sincere interest in people made Steve a favorite of
many extended LeSueur and Reeder family members, especially children. He
organized card games, devised backyard athletic competitions, filmed
impromptu musical performances and played elaborate jokes that are now
legendary contributions to family lore. He encouraged a love of animals,
most especially cats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rats, teaching his
children to love, appreciate and care for them. His inclusion of his
family’s cats as characters in lively bedtime stories highlighted his
creativity and sense of humor. He welcomed summer visits from nieces and
nephews, sharing his knowledge of history on numerous visits to local
monuments and museums.
For two years, Steve endured a difficult
regimen of treatments to fight pancreatic cancer. His courage,
determination, optimism, graciousness and sense of humor were evident as
he looked for ways to continue enjoying life. He spent time with family
and friends, participated in community activities, attended jazz and
theater performances, and traveled to New York, South Carolina,
California, Utah, Colorado and Oregon. He made final edits to his novel
and arranged for its publication in 2025.
Steve is survived by his
wife, Kathy Reeder; his children Samantha and Daniel; his sister Diana
(Randy) Bartlett; and brother Jeff. He was preceded in death by his
parents, John and Dolores Clift LeSueur, and his older brother David.
A
celebration of life will be held on August 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at
Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22201.
In
lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s honor to Friends
of the Arlington Public Library or the John Whitmer Historical
Association.
----
NOTE: Steve was the younger brother of Dave LeSueur from BHS '67 who sadly we lost 5 years ago.
.png)
