Steven Robert Wright

WRIGHT, LARSEN, IRINAKA, HENDRICKS, VAN SICKEL, TISDAHL

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 10/25/2021 at 10:22:15

Steven Robert Wright, a devoted family man and beloved member of the Solon community, died peacefully at UIHC on December 6, 2020, with his wife by his side. A private funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, December 15th, 2020.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Steve's Life - Saturday, October 23rd, from 3:00 to 9:00 pm - with a small ceremony at 4:00 pm. Dinner will follow. Please bring stories and favorite memories to share.
The family requests that everyone attending please wear masks -thank you.
1282 Charles Avenue
West Branch, Iowa

Steve is survived by his wife, Joan of Solon, their children: Andrew (Elizabeth) Wright, of North Liberty; Allyson (Nathan) Larsen, of Iowa City and Adam (Kaitlyn) Wright, of Williamsburg; four grandchildren: Grace, Vincent, Joseph and Anna; siblings: Jeffrey Wright, of Solon and Lynda (Leith) Irinaka of Solon; niece, Mykaela Irinaka (Damian Hendricks) of Nunn, CO and their children: Kailee, Demi and Brynn and nephew, Trevor Irinaka of Eugene, OR; sister in law, Kathleen Van Sickel of Des Moines and many cousins, extended family members and treasured friends. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Max and Charlie.

Steve was preceded into death by his son, Steven Michael Wright, his parents, in-laws, and his grandparents.

Steve was born on May 13, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Leo Robert Wright and Jean (Tisdahl) Wright. He grew up in Chicago and Northbrook, IL. Steve was proud to have earned his Eagle Scout. He graduated from Glenbrook North High school in 1974, where he was active in football and wrestling. Steve went on to graduate from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1978, where he was a triple major in psychology, history and sociology. It was during his time at Coe College, where he met the love of his life, Joan Comer, through a mutual friend. Joan and Steve were married on May 12, 1979 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottumwa, IA. To this union, four children were born: Steven “Stevie”, Andrew, Allyson and Adam. Sadly, their first child, Steven “Stevie” Michael Wright passed away on May 19, 1982 due to complications related to hydrocephalus. He was deeply missed and often remembered.

Steve was elected mayor of Solon from 1980 to 1987. He had many stories to share of this time and was quite proud of his time in office. He was affectionately nicknamed, Mayor Steve. In the early 1980s, Steve began to volunteer in the Solon Community, primarily coaching youth sports. Steve worked for Xerox Corporation as a systems analyst and senior project manager for 34 years, retiring in 2018. In 2001, Steve earned his MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

Steve was a devoted family man. No matter how busy he was with work or other obligations, he made it a priority to be in attendance for all of his children’s events. He also coached all three of his children in multiple sports—sometimes running from one practice or game to another. Steve’s greatest passion and joy came from his volunteer coaching. He truly made an impact on the lives of many youth in the Solon Community. Growing up, the Wright household was rarely without the friends of his children. He enjoyed running into those he coached and befriended even years later into their adulthood. He never forgot anyone he coached and they never forgot his lasting influence. Steve struggled with many health issues over the years. He didn’t let that stop him from his commitments, including helping on the sidelines of Spartan field on Friday nights! His family and his devotion to others kept him going.

Steve was the keeper of a lot of knowledge. He enjoyed being a resource for his children to call for questions or advice. He was a hopeless romantic and loved Joan all the way up until the end. Steve had an interesting sense of humor and loved to laugh and share jokes. He especially enjoyed Far Side Cartoons and Calvin and Hobbes. He also had many passions, including music, dark beer, technology, photography and history. He also very much enjoyed spending time on his mower, tending to his lawn. Steve would say he loved you all and appreciated being a member of the Solon Community. We will miss him so much.

The family wishes to thank the Johnson County Ambulance Service, Solon Fire Department and Johnson County Sheriff for their incredible response. The family is also grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Emergency Department and MICU.

The family gathered for a private burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia, Iowa.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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