Stephen Wayne Steward (1964-2016)

STEWARD, KOPPENHAVER, JOHNSON, CURRAN, OLSON, BOMAN, HALL, BICKFORD

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 10/2/2016 at 20:28:12

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Stephen Wayne Steward, 52, of Ames, passed away September 12, 2016 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

“If you are reading this, I am gone. I was born August 21, 1964 to Neal Charles and Barbara (Koppenhaver) Steward in Chicago, Illinois. I was raised by a single mother, Barb, then with a step-dad, Audley Johnson. I grew up on a farm just south of Dayton, Iowa. Found my first true passion of skiing at Dayton Dells Ski Area. This led me to a life of a ski bum in Winter Park, Colorado, where I fine-tuned my skiing abilities and made a lifelong friend. After about four years, I came back to Iowa to be near family and friends, eventually settling down to start and raise a family of four wonderful children with Catherine. Life continued with teaching the children camping, paddling and a love of the outdoors, even snowmobiling. Life continued growing with watching my children become fine, young adults. After a divorce, I really started to kayak. Paddling truly saved my life. My group of friends has grown through my love of paddling and their passion also.”

Steve later met Paula Curran with whom he shared his love of life, paddling, and traveling. He was always one to share his love, inviting two additional sons into his family; Jake at a young age, and most recently Keith. Diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer last September 14, he resolved to live more fully. He and Paula kayaked through Venice, Italy last fall and traveled to Colorado with his children in June. Steve had many friends for whom his ability to face his diagnosis with dignity and humor was a life lesson.

Stephen is survived by children: Chelsea (Keith Shimp) Steward of Ames, Spencer Steward of Roland, Zachary Steward of Roland, Noah Steward of Des Moines, Jacob Olson of Ames; his significant other, Paula Curran of Ames; his former wife, Catherine Boman of Roland; two sisters, Joy (Rick) Hall of Boone and Jen (Jim) Bickford of Chicago; his brother, Tim (Kelly Wilson) Steward of York, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be designated to the Bliss Cancer Center, Mary Greeley Foundation, 1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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