Stephen Martin Ehninger

Stephen Martin Ehninger, 77, passed away on November 4, 2025 from complications following a fall. Stephen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 17, 1948 to Martin Carlyle and Winona Clara Ehninger. Steve lived his life with curiosity, creativity and humor.

In 1965 fate brought Steve together with his wife Sandra when she and her family moved into a home on the street where he and his family lived. A firm friendship developed between them. Steve traveled out of town with his family in the autumn of that year. Absence made their hearts grow fonder. When Steve returned, they met for their first kiss. Their future was sealed. Steve married Sandra Collison in June 1967. Together they had two children, Amy and Andrew.

Following his graduation from Granger High School in 1966, Steve began his education at the University of Utah. His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969. He served two years at Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas and two years at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah as an illustrator for the helicopter training school. He received an honorable discharge in 1974. While serving at Hill Air Force Base, Steve resumed his studies at the University of Utah and earned a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 1974. He returned to the University of Utah in 1978 and graduated with a Master's degree of Architecture in 1981.

Early in his career as an architect, Steve was employed and held principal positions at Scott, Louie and Browning and the Gustavson Companies. In November 1991, Steve co-founded the firm of Ehninger, Fetzer and Tholen/Architects, Planners and Project Managers (EFT). In the early 2000's Steve was employed by 3D/lnternational (3DI) with their purchase of EFT. This was followed by a period of employment for Harris & Associates. In 2008, EFT was re-established. Steve completed his career with EFT, retiring in 2015.

Steve's expertise included project design, project definition, master planning and feasibility analysis. He was recognized for his ability to resolve complex concepts into simple visual solutions. Projects included technical facilities for research and higher education in Utah, Idaho, Nevada and California; office design and computer facilities for corporate clients; architectural and planning services for the State of Utah, Utah National Guard and the Veterans Health Care Systems.

Steve received the highest certification, Blue Cover, from the National Council of Architects Registration Board and participated in the development of licensing and regulation standards for that organization. Other professional affiliations in which Steve was involved include the American Institute of Architects (AIA); Intern Development Program (IDP); ASSIST (board member) Utah Chapter AIA (former president); Utah State Architect Registration Board (former chairman); Utah AIA Government Affairs Committee and the Utah Architectural Foundation (former secretary/treasurer).

Steve's nature was inherently artistic. It was expressed in drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, light installations, wood carving, sand box creations, arrangement of found objects and decorations for packages, a family favorite. He was fascinated by and enjoyed music across genres and eras. He was a gifted piano player and expanded those skills into the use of a Musical Instrument Digital Interface system to both play and create music. Other hobbies and interests included weather and solar flares, bird watching, history, new technology, NPR radio and PBS television.

Steve's children are grateful for his legacy of encouraging and fostering their imagination, creativity and artistic abilities which they treasure and employ.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughter Amy Ross, son Andrew, brother Ronald (Cathy), sister Sue Wood (Mike), sister-in-law Joyce, brother-in-law Ian Collison (Jane), nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents and brother David.

A recognition and celebration of Steve's life will be held on December 13, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Le Jardin located at 1910 Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah. A brief program will be held starting at 11:15 am followed by a luncheon. Please join us to remember and celebrate him.