In Loving Memory

July 2, 1937 – February 18, 2026

Henry Stephen “Steve” Talge passed away on February 18, 2026, at his home. He was the grandson of Kansas City notable Henry J. Talge, founder of Rival Manufacturing Corp. and the Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet Kimball Talge and Foster Lisle Talge, Sr.; his brother, Lisle; his sister, Jacque Krug; his son, Mark; and his wife, Janice. He is survived by his son, Andrew Talge; his daughter, Carrie Turner (Kyle); and his six grandchildren: Molly, Annie, Wyatt, Hayden, Megan, and Allison.

Born on July 2, 1937, in Kansas City, MO, Steve was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where he served as an Acolyte in his youth. It was there that he first met Janice while attending confirmation class in 1949. Their high‑school romance grew into a lifelong love story cherished by their family and the community of Leawood, KS.

Steve attended Southwest High School, earning second‑team all‑district honors in football and playing in the inaugural Central Missouri High School All‑Star Game as a 5'11", 185‑pound linebacker and center. He later attended the University of Missouri and was an active member of the Xi Xi chapter of Sigma Chi, where Janice was named Sweetheart of Sigma Chi in 1958.

Steve and Janice were married on December 4, 1959, at St. Andrew’s Church. He began his professional career with his mentor and grandfather, H. J. Talge. They welcomed sons Mark and Andy, followed by daughter Carrie in 1966. During this period, Steve served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve 139th Support Squadron until 1965. He and Carrie shared a unique bond through their many shopping adventures searching for the perfect gifts for Janice—traditions he later shared with granddaughters as well.

In 1965, Steve and his brother, Lisle, founded the Dazey Corporation. They purchased the assets of a struggling company and transformed it into a successful business in the home appliance and beauty care industries. Innovations such as the Dazey Seal‑A‑Meal and Dr. Scholl’s Foot Massager contributed to sustained growth, leading to a move into a new headquarters near the Gardner Airport in Johnson County. The business was ultimately sold in two transactions to The Rival Company and Helen of Troy in 1996.

Steve served on numerous Kansas City boards, including UMB Bank, the University of Missouri Board of Trustees, DeLaSalle Education Center, Heart of America Boy Scouts, and Johnson County YMCA.

Family and community were at the heart of Steve’s life. Summers at Lake Lotawana created lifelong memories, hosting class reunions, Mizzou gatherings, and large family celebrations. Everyone looked forward to Captain Steve steering his boat out for the Fourth of July fireworks.

To Steve, the most important things in life were not things.  They were the relationships and the memories he carried with him throughout his life. He and Janice traveled for business and pleasure, with Key West and the Arizona Inn in Tucson among their favorite destinations. Their shared routine—running, long walks, bike rides, and reading poolside—embodied the warmth of their love for each other.  

Retirement offered Steve more time to deepen his connections with family and neighbors on High Drive. “Grammie and Pops” became beloved fixtures in the lives of their children, grandchildren, neighbors, and neighborhood.  Pops was “fully engaged” with everyone he met and the relationships he developed.  Following Janice’s passing in 2023, Steve formed new friendships in his retirement community and Bible study group and was reunited with longtime friends at the “Southwest” table of the Dial Retirement community.

A devoted Mizzou, Chiefs, and Royals fan—and enthusiastic Jayhawk agitator—Steve enjoyed spirited conversations about sports, history, politics, and business. His firm viewpoints were balanced by a willingness to listen, challenge, and encourage. Those who knew him were better for it. His legacy is one of love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his wife, family and community.

Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113.