Stephanie Downes
March 1, 1968 ~ May 8, 2017
Stephanie R. Downes age 49 of Surprise, AZ, formerly of Fredericksburg, IA, died Monday, May 8, 2017, at the Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ.
A Christian Funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg with Rev. Ronnie Koch presiding. Inurnment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials can be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg or to the family of Robert Downes for a memorial to be determined later.
Stephanie Rae Downes was born on March 1, 1968 in New Hampton, Iowa to Robert L. Downes and Karen K. (Laabs) Downes. Stephanie was devoted to her family, friends, and the Lord and will be missed terribly. She loved growing up on a farm and was proud of her hometown and state. She will be remembered for her faith, dedication to family and the many friends she had over the years as well as her great sense of humor. She loved traveling, visiting friends & family, hiking in the Rocky Mountains with her dog (Reggie), and exercising.
Stephanie graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1986, Waldorf College in 1988 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1990. She spent most of her career in Financial/Retirement Planning Services.
She is survived by her parents Robert & Karen Downes of Sun City West, AZ (formerly of Fredericksburg); her identical twin sister Sherylea Downes of Peoria, AZ; brother Stuart (Dawn) Downes and nephew Carson, niece Reagan, all of Olathe, KS; Paternal Grandmother Loretta Downes of Davenport (formerly of Fredericksburg), six aunts, five uncles by marriage, and fourteen cousins
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Leonard Downes; and maternal grandparents Lyle & Mavis Laabs.
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You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer
Our Sympathy…so so young..fly high beautiful Stephanie Roger and Margo
My sympathy to all the family,was so sad to hear the news, I know Tracy welcomed Stephanie with open arms,God bless this family.
I am so sorry to hear that Stephanie passed away, prayers and sympathy to the entire family. Jan Fenneman Manson
Much love and hugs for the family and friends. Sorry for your tremendous loss of such a beautiful woman so full of life, a real gem.
Sending my deepest sympathies, words can not explain what a wonderful caring individual Stephanie always was, from the time we were very young in grade school, up till her last day! She is as beautiful inside as she was on the outside. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you during this difficult time! Sending you all prayer, comfort and support!
Stephanie was a great friend of mine, we met at Waldorf and the friendships built there have been everlasting. She truly touched so many lives! I can still hear her laughter! She is soaring with the Angels! Jackie Benning Hampton Iowa.
Karen and Bob – we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Stephanie. Keep all the precious memories close to your heart now and in time to come. God Bless
Bob & Karen- So sorry to hear about your daughter. Our prayers are with you. DUANE & Pat Lynch
Irene Douglas lit a candle in memory of Stephanie R. Downes
So sorry to read of Stephanie’s passing-thoughts and prayers are with Bob & Karen and the family. God’s Peace- Mike and Nancy(Gitch) Petersen
A New Sunrise Spray was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Mike & Deb Stastny lit a candle in memory of Stephanie R. Downes
My condolences to Stephanie’s family. I remember the first time I met Steph many years ago; we were sharing a shuttle ride from the Denver airport for a sales meeting at Great-West and I still have the image of her wild curly blonde hair and wonderful giggle in my mind from that very first meeting. She became a good friend and one of my best prayer warriors who never wavered in her support for me or my family when times were tough and I needed back up. She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known and will be forever in my heart.
Denise (Bodensteiner) Udelhofen purchased the Sympathy – Heart Expressions for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
My condolences to the family. Stephanie was always quick to smile and was one of the friendliest people I know. Hard not to think of Stephanie and Sherylea as a pair. My heart hurts for those close to her. I will always have fond memories of the Downes’ twins.
I continue to include the Downes family in my thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathy to the family of Stephanie Downes. You are in our prayers. Louise and Donn Harris
Every great adventure I had in visiting the States, Stephanie was a major part of it. Even climbing up a rock face in our sandals, still amazes me we got to the top. God Bless XX
I met Stephanie at Waldorf College. She was a great, true friend for years to follow. She was the best! She is in heaven now, no longer in pain. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time. Kendra Eads, Sioux Falls, SD
Kendra Eads lit a candle in memory of Stephanie R. Downes
Karen Ellsworth lit a candle in memory of Stephanie R. Downes
Bob Karen & family, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. My sympathy and prayers.
John And Jane Melugin Brooks lit a candle in memory of Stephanie R. Downes
I am sadden that Stephanie has passed, as she was a good friend of mine and my late wife who passed from cancer as well. She was a fighter who did not let anyone stand in her way. I will miss going to the movies and drinks with her and her sister Sherylea. To Stephanie’s family you know she will be always remembered. Celebrate her life with honor and tears, knowing she will always be with each of you. Her friend Rich
Condolences Snacker was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
BOB, KAREN, LORETTA, AND FAMILY, MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOSS
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I pray you are surrounded by love and support and find peace and comfort in the days to come. God Bless!
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Stephanie was our ICMA-RC representative for many years and was well known and loved by many of our employees. She was quick to greet everyone with a smile and friendly words. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers. Laura (Krause) Ingegneri, HR Director, City of Peoria
The Robert Downes Family, You have my deepest sympathy with the loss of your daughter. God Bless and your in my prayers at this difficult time,find peace and comfort in the days to come. Gloria Parks
Be My Love Bouquet with Red Roses was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Diane Swanson purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Love, Dennis and Jody Mallen purchased the Beautiful Heart Bouquet for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
A New Sunrise Spray was purchased for the family of Stephanie R. Downes.
Robert, Karen, Loretta and Family, My deepest sympathy comes to you at this time. May you feel the love and presence of our Lord and His comfort surrounding you. Virginia Snider Baltes
Bob, Karen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry to hear about Stephanie. Cherish all the wonderful memories and know that God will continue to comfort you. Shirley Cahoy Anderson
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Downes family. It had been a long time since I had been in touch with Stephanie but will always remember what a great person she was. Prayers go out to Sherylea. She will always be with you. Sherri Sievers (Morriss)
Sending heartfelt condolences to Stephanie’s family and many friends who, like me, will miss her smile, her laugh, her outgoing personality and fighting spirit tremendously. We worked together at Great-West when Stephanie was the beloved relationship manager for our Nebraska clients. She amassed a large fan club of people over her career whose lives she improved by providing them with holistic financial education and guidance. Rest in peace Stephanie. Your friend and colleague, Sara Gillespie
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this very difficult time. Craig and Audrey Bravener and family
My thoughts and prayers to Stephanie’s family. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Steph while working together at Great-West. Our working relationship grew into a really good friendship. She was one of my most respected colleagues and best friends during the time she worked at GW as well as while she was in Denver. I have many fond memories of great times spent hanging out with Steph-going to Cheyenne Frontier Days to see Brooks & Dunn, going to Rockies baseball games, and just simply hanging out. I miss her but I will fondly hold onto all the great times we had and how much she brightened the lives of so many. God bless.
Bob, Karen and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Stephanie. May God’s love and peace be of comfort. Gretchen (Gitch) Warkentin
My deepest condolences to the family. Stephanie was a great friend and mentor during our years at Great West. She was genuinely a warm and beautiful person. I will miss her.