Stephen Clift LeSueur, BHS 1970January 6, 1952 – July 1, 2025
Stephen Clift LeSueur, 73, died at home in Arlington, Virginia, on July 1, 2025, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
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.
