Stephen Van Pelt Huber

Stephen van Pelt Huber of Trumansburg passed away at home surrounded by family on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the age of 88.

Steve was born in New Jersey on February 28, 1933, a son of the late Carl and Helen (Woods) Huber. As a young man, Steve became interested in horses, learning to ride and eventually becoming an accomplished horseman in ridden and carriage driving competitions, and he also enjoyed foxhunting. Once bitten by the horse bug, he developed a fascination with horseshoeing and enrolled in the Farrier Program at Michigan State University to begin a successful career as a farrier. In 1976, he and his family moved from Cokesbury, NJ to Trumansburg, NY where they purchased the land that became Poppycock Farm and he realized his dream of becoming a farmer. Steve pursued both professions for the remainder of his life. That he retired from horseshoeing at age 81 and from farming at age 86 is evidence of his incredible energy and work ethic.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane Huber; three daughters, Lisa Huber, Kristin Huber, and Kathryn (Michael Brown) Huber; three grandchildren, Annie, A.J., and Mikey; siblings, Gretel Metzger and Derek Huber; and several nieces and nephews. Steve also leaves behind his friend Don Simmers, who worked beside him at Poppycock Farm for over 30 years.

Steve was well-known around town for having a sparkle in his eye, a huge smile, and a booming voice, and for his boundless kindness and generosity. Throughout his life, Steve maintained a deep curiosity about all subjects, and an endless interest in learning. He was a voracious reader, and was always eager to talk to others about what they were up to or what their interests were.

Steve enjoyed a deep connection to his church community at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. He believed that life should be lived in service to those in need and in service to his community. He also loved attending virtual services at the Kirkwood United Church of Christ in Atlanta.

Steve left this world the way he lived in it – on his own terms, in his own way. He passed away only one day after engaging hospice care, and he asserted that he had lived a great life, had a beautiful family and wonderful friendships, had everything he ever wanted, and had done everything he ever wanted to do. He was fully at peace.

In keeping with Steve’s wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Steve’s memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Additionally, the family would encourage others to follow Steve’s example and commit to helping a person in need.