James Steven
June 23, 1928 ~ March 23, 2016
James D. 'Jim' Steven age 87 of New Hampton died Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.
Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, North Washington with Jarad Steven, Tanner Sorensen, Jordan Sorensen, Robb Steven, Matt Steven, Riley Siemers, Ryan McLaughlin and Lauren Steven serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2016, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.
James Delbert Steven was born June 23, 1928, in Wallingford, IA, the son of JP and Hazel (Pilcher) Steven. He attended country schools and graduated from Burt High School. Jim served in the United States Navy from 1945 - 1947. He was stationed in Hawaii and Treasure Island San Francisco, CA, during his service. Jim worked as an IBM programmer working on one of the first computers.
Jim returned from the service and met Ethel Lampe while riding horseback on her family's farm. The couple was married on December 26, 1951, at St. Johns in Bancroft, IA. To this union eight children were born.
After marriage, Jim and Ethel lived and farmed in Titonka, IA. In the early 1960's they purchased land by North Washington, where they spent their lives farming the land, taking care of their animals, and raising their eight children together. At the end of his farming career Jim worked for Baltes Oil Company in North Washington. In 2014, Jim and Ethel purchased a home in New Hampton.
In high school, Jim joined the boxing team and when in the Navy, boxed on a club team. He had a deep passion for horses that started when he was a young boy. Horses could always be found on the Steven farm. He loved farming and the hard work and dedication that it took to be a good farmer. Jim enjoyed fishing, bingo, and old Westerns, especially with John Wayne. He had a great time traveling on road trips with his good friend Vince. While their wives were out biking, the two enjoyed excursions around Northeast Iowa, that included, fishing and local farm and machinery auctions.
In his later years, Jim loved to visit with friends and could be found Wednesday mornings at the weekly McDonald's coffee group. He enjoyed being part of the North Washington's Men's Choir, and going to his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He was a member of the Catholic Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and the local VFW.
James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ethel; five sons, Jerry (Patty) Steven of Elma, IA, Gary (Linda) Steven of New Hampton, IA, Ron (Lana) Steven of Carlsbad, NM, Russ (Lisa) Steven of Cedar Rapids, IA and Craig (Shilo) Steven of Peosta, IA; three daughters, Sheryl McLaughlin of Fredericksburg, IA, Laurie (Ted) Sorensen of New Hampton, IA and Cindy (Jack) Siemers of Waverly, IA; twenty two grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and five great-step grandchildren; three brothers, Don Steven of Niles, MI, Ken Steven of Dayton, TN and Milton (Doris) Steven of Decater, TN; two sisters, Burnadene Opheim of Burt, IA, and Jean Long of Humboldt, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Lucille Steven; and sister-in-law, Florence Steven.
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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services created a video in memory of James D. Steven
You have our deepest sympathy.
Ethel & Family: So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Lynette (Schwickerath) & Randy Mahowald Burnsville, MN
MARGE & DAVE lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
GOD BLESS THE STEVENS FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF THERE LOVED ONE JAMES. OUR PRAYERS GO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS MARGE AND DAVE MAYO 1080 KELLY DR. NASHVILLE NORTH CAROLINA 27856
Dave, Jeannine, and Connor Ringgenberg purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of James D. Steven.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of James D. Steven.
Carma Bouska lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
Ethel and family: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was a great man who raised some wonderful kids along with you Ethel. May his memories continue to guide you and May God Bless You All.
So sorry for your loss. Sending our sympathy to all.
My thoughts and prayers to the Steven family. Growing up James children rode the bus with the Geerts children and I remember all of them. May his memories flood your minds at this time and give you comfort. Jeanne Roder
Mike & Lisa Zobeck and family. purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of James D. Steven.
Pearle, Jeff, Craig, Rhonda, Larry, Janet, Lisa Roths family purchased the Basket of Memories for the family of James D. Steven.
Bowde, Germ, Joey, and Michelle purchased the Florist Choice Bouquet for the family of James D. Steven.
Jerry, Patty and Jared, and the whole Steven family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keith and Lori Johnson
Our sympathy to all the Steven Family.Jim must have been a good man knowing the family he had. Rest in peace.
This is Ron, thank you Brad for the kind thoughts. You’re an old friend that I think of and miss.
We were so sorry to hear about Jim’s death. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jim was such a great guy and family man. He will be missed. Larry and Pat Zwanziger
Ethel & family: So sorry to hear about Jim. I have many fond memories of our family visits. I will always remember when your family moved to the farm and became our new neighbors. Seems like Jim always had a smile on his face and I always enjoyed listening to the men’s choir whenever I was up that way. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sharon(Blocker)Gordon
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I always thought of him as a hard worker and a great husband and father. My sympathy to the entire Steven family.
So sorry for your loss, his smile will be missed. Ethel you and your big family will be in our prayers. Vic and Diane Ball
Dennis and Julie Lampe and family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of James D. Steven.
Ethel & family, You have a great close-knit family.You will have support from family & friends. Married 64 yrs. is a true God’s blessing. Jim is now @ peace. Take care & God Bless you all. Mary Ann Allen
Ethel and Family, So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We know he will be missed. Gloria and Fulton Bjergum
Russ, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your entire family. Chad Herrick
Thanks Chad —Russ
Cletus & Doris Ries lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
Ethel and family, Our sympathy to all of you. Jim always had a smile for everyone. We will miss him.
Thank you to everyone who send flowers , wishes and sympathy. God Bless all of Jim’s many friends!
Sharon Kellogg-Bormann lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
Our thoughts are with you Aunt Ethel. Steve and Joyce Kix
Veronica Mclaughlin lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
George and I send the family our deepest well wishes to you and yours! Be strong, and remember the great times we had with him!!!
Ethel and family — Thinking of you all and adding my prayers and sympathy to your many friends and families’ posts. Jim always had a ‘Hi’ and a chat for all. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Sending hugs and heartfelt sympathies to Aunt Ethel and family from Doris and the family of Leonard Lampe.
To all of Jim’s family and friends….we will all remember that great smile! Jim was one of my North Washington growing up memories….always fun, hard working, patient, good rock solid, salt of the earth fine example of what we should all aspire to be….how lucky we were to know him and call him our friend! Enjoy the memories that you have….Connie and Tom Straw
Ethel & entire Steven family, We extend our sympathy & prayers to each of you on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Sorry we cannot be there for the wake service as we are still in Arizona. Please know that we are there spiritually for you. Jim will be missed by many.
To the entire Steven family……my sympathies to all of you! God Bless Dick Galligan
Ethel and family, so sad to hear of Jim passing, what I great guy, really had the pleasure to get to know him more the last couple years— Jim was young at heart in every way! He left behind a great family and I am sure a lifetime of wonderful memories to hold in your hearts!
Ethel & family–so very sorry to learn of Jims’ passing. May it comfort you to know he’s now received his heavenly reward. I have some great memories of being neighbors on the farm; still remember the day you moved & became neighbors. Diane Blocker
We met Jim and Ethel when they became our new backdoor neighbors. Both have become very dear friends. Jim always had his endearing smile, and we will miss him too. Our deepest sympathy to Ethel and their family.
Will miss that guys smile!!! We have you all in our thoughts and prayers! Mark and Jolene Dungey
Steven family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts at this very sad time. Jill Hogeland
Barb & Dave Snyder lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
Ethel and family..sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Tony and Becky Zwanziger
My condolences and those of our church family at your loss. God bring you comfort and the hope of resurrection this Easter.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of James D. Steven.
Dear Ethel and family, Sorry to read about Jim’s death. He was a good guy. I always enjoyed talking with him at the bank. Sending love and prayers for everyone. Jack and Betty Gorman
Deb Martens Zubrod lit a candle in memory of James D. Steven
Dear Steven Family, We are sorry of husband,dad grandpa too. We were glad enjoy us on Wednesday mornings at McDonald’s for bingo. It was nice new people play with us. He always had great smile on his face.He had great kids and they were all were friendly. God Bless you all and he will be missed from everyone from Bingo. From : Gloria Parks and Brenda Parks
Jim is truly one of the nicest people we will ever know & we were so saddened to hear of his passing. Hugs & prayers go out to Ethel & the entire Steven family. He will be missed by so many. Todd & Sherry Grober & Family
Dear Families, I have wonderful memories of all the hay that we baled together as we grew up. Jim’s laugh was wonderful! Celebrate a life well lived! My best to you all! Mary (Heying) Capper Washington, Iowa
Thinking of you all. Heartfelt sympathies to everyone. One never knows when their time is coming and how soon we have to leave here and go to far greater places than we can only imagine. Keep the memories alive and talk about him often and he will be with you always!! Love and prayers to all of the Steven family.
To Ethel and family, so very sorry to hear the news of Jim’s passing. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Linda Flick.
Jerry, Patty, Jared ~ So sorry to hear of your Dad/Granpa’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you. You’re in our thoughts & prayers. You already know if there’s anything we can do at any time just let us know; we’re more than happy to help in any way we can. Love y’all. Zeke, Scott, Sharon ~ Backwoodz
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jim’s family. We are sorry to hear of his passing, but he will spend Easter in heaven…….what a celebration it will be. Keep all the memories you have very close to your heart at this time and always. God Bless all of you.
Ethel and family. We are sorry for your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Our deepest sympathy to Ethel and all the family. Jim was a wonderful neighbor, and I have great memories of playing baseball with your kids. He will be greatly missed, but you can keep his memory in your hearts. God give you peace in this time of sorrow. Rose (Heying) Ganfield
We are so sorry for you loss. My dad lived two years after he suffered the same thing. His quality of life was not great. We will be out town during this time, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Joyce Ives
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man, He always had a smile on his face. I remember the first horse back ride he game me when I stayed with laurie when we were kids. Your whole family has my deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with u all . Judy Paulus
Jim always had a smile and would strike up a conversation whenever I seen him . My sympathy to your family he was a great person.
Our Deepest Sympathy to you Ethel and your family, We will remember Jim always of his loving smile he gave you whenever you met him up at Baltes gas station.( his home away from home) He LOVED to sit and visit. What a Great man he was. He will be missed by many that knew him. Cherish the memories. Dan Karen Rosonke
You have our sympathy Ginny & Stan Laures
Ethel and family, so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.