Steven M. Kugler
Steven M. Kugler, 64, of Poulsbo, WA, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at the VA Puget Sound Veterans Hospital in Seattle, WA from a recent battle with liver cancer.
He was born on July 8, 1957, in Ridgway, son of the late Marinus J. “Bud” Kugler who preceded him in death on August 22, 2020 and Alice M. Dollinger Kugler, who survives of Kersey, PA.
Steve was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1975. He attended Gannon College in Erie, PA and worked at Automatic Turning & Machining in Kersey, PA prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1980 as a Hospital Corpsman. After attending boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, Steve served many years in the Washington, DC area including multiple tours at Bethesda Naval Hospital and on the medical staff at the U.S. Capital. He later served at the Marine Corps Winter Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, CA and the Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, WA. Steve retired from the Navy after serving honorably for 20 years.
After retirement, Steve worked on the quality assurance team for LabCorp throughout the Pacific Northwest region where he had plans to retire in December.
Steve was married to Tina Wright and was honored to be the stepfather to Zaneta, Marcus, Ivan, Zarah, Zeke and Gabe. He also had five grandchildren with two more on the way.
Along with his mother, he is survived by his sister, Denise Zernell (Ed) of Weedville; three brothers: Tim Kugler (Alice) of Lodi, CA, Jon Kugler (Cheryl) of Carlisle, and Joe Kugler of Kersey; and by many nieces and nephews.
Steve enjoyed spending time with his “second family” at The Slippery Pig Brewery in Poulsbo and was always up to enjoy a good beer with friends. He enjoyed watching his step-children participate in their sports, especially wrestling. He also relished time spent with his grandchildren, especially filming his grandson Mateo’s wrestling matches and taking him to Mariners’ ballgames.
Funeral arrangements and burial details are being planned at this time. Once arrangements are finalized, Steve will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA with full military honors.