Obituary
Thomas Auer Steitler, born July 25, 1948 in Dallas Texas, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Parsons Steitler and Walter Hugger Steitler.
Tom was often called a dog whisperer by family and friends for the way they were drawn to his joy and playfulness. His beloved dogs were constant companions, whether grabbing a quick bite at Bruegger’s or walking a 200+acre property, Tom and his pups were always together.
An explorer and athlete to his core, he instilled the same exuberance for life and travel in his daughters, Katie Marie and Kelly Marcisin and grandgirls, Violet, Avery, and Fiona. Tom graduated Jamesville Dewitt High School, Syracuse NY, class of 1966, where he was class president and a leader in a number of varsity sports. In 1970, he graduated from Princeton University Magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He attended UNC Chapel Hill where he earned his MBA.
In 1973 he married Linda Ann Esselburn, of Syracuse, and ultimately set out for a new life as a commercial real estate appraiser in Asheville, North Carolina. He obtained the prestigious MAI designation in his early 30’s, the youngest to receive the title at that time, from the NC Appraisal Institute.
Tom found his involvement in conservation easements to be truly gratifying. He was often hired by land trusts and government agencies to perform the complex task of assigning value to these perspective easements. Many scenic land tracts now conserved in Western North Carolina came into existence due to Tom’s adept appraisals, which passed many rigorous governmental oversight standards. With great interest he played a role during the mid-1980’s in the renovation of downtown Asheville, when pre-depression era buildings were in disrepair. He and Linda purchased buildings and renovated them. As he wrote in a guest column in the Asheville Citizen Times 1986, “These cities such as Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, realized early on that residents have a right and a duty to take an active role in shaping the future of their city.” During this period, Asheville citizens voted down a proposition by an outside developer to tear down old, historic buildings and replace them with a sprawling mall in the heart of the city. Today, the city of Asheville is known for its vibrant energy, which often stems from the beauty of its revitalized buildings and lush surrounding vistas.
In 2020, Tom retired from commercial appraising and he and Linda moved to Durham, North Carolina to be closer to the next two generations. It has proven to be a very good move, producing many joyful memories of children and grandchildren. His oldest grand, Violet, and he became excellent sudoku partners.
After raising golden retrievers and one Irish Setter over the decades, he enjoyed a new relationship with a smaller canine, a ten-pound Coton de Tulear, Abby Rose. She sat with Tom in full concentration of whatever was being viewed on TV, commenting with woofs and growls depending on the action. Abby especially preferred watching basketball over other sports because the object of desire was a ball large enough for her to follow.
Tom is sorely missed in so many ways, already realized, and in ways his family and friends have yet to know. His great enthusiasm for life and world travel will be remembered by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his wife Linda, his children Katie and Kelly, his grandchildren Violet, Fiona, and Avery, his siblings Pat, Sue, and Bob, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, The family requests any memorial contributions be made to: Heifer International or Doctors without Borders
