When Robert Steven Szoke embraced a love of God as a minister it gave him the perfect opportunity to practice his Christian faith and spread the Word.

He was founder of the Impact Christian Church in Merrillville.

But to many Szoke Jr. was even more.

His wife, Candy, said her husband also exercised his physical prowess by becoming a pro wrestler.

"Steve was a wonderful husband and father. Through his ministry, he was an inspiration and was regarded by many to be a remarkable man," she said.

Sheryl Buche, of Lowell, agreed.

"I was privileged to have met him when he brought the Fire Pro to Lowell. He was so enthusiastic and easy to work with. His love of Christ and children was evident," Buche said. "He was an amazing man of God."

The Rev. Robert Szoke Sr., former minister of the Calumet City Church of Christ, admits he encouraged his son to follow in his footsteps and pursue a religious vocation.

"My wife (Lorraine) and I were very happy that he did, because he had the perfect personality for the ministry," his father said. "My son was strong and compassionate, and he very much loved people."

Besides his ministry, Szoke Jr. was a creative artist and practiced tae kwon do.

He also served as host at pro wrestling shows and other media venues.

Szoke Jr. was a former youth minister of the Town and Country Christian Church in Crown Point and two Illinois churches.

He was an alumnus of Thornton Fractional North High School class of 1993 and a graduate of Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Ill.