Header Logo

Steven Demaray

steven demaray

October 23, 1951 ~ November 15, 2021

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Steven "Shooter" Demaray age 70 of New Hampton, IA died Monday, November 15, 2021, from injuries sustained during an automobile accident. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Rev. Kevin Frey presiding. Friends may greet the family from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the funeral home. Steven was born on October 23, 1951, to Leighton and Catherine (Norman) Demaray in Charles City. Along with his four sisters and two brothers, he grew up on a farm near Rockford. As a child, he loved going to Grandpa Jay’s and Grandma Dorothy’s to help milk cows, feed pigs, tend chickens and help with other chores on the farm. Later in life, he took those farm experiences and had cattle, pet donkeys, and fainting goats on his own small hobby farm outside of Waucoma. Everyone asks and no one is quite positive but the story has been told that he picked up his nickname when he was duck hunting with a friend and accidentally shot a hole into the bottom of his buddy’s boat and sunk it! From that day forward, he was “Shooter", and he liked to announce his presence by yelling "Big Shoot's in Town"! He was a member of Rockford (Iowa) High School’s Class of 1971. Shooter lived life to the fullest. He loved, worked, and played hard. If you didn’t know him, once you met him you most likely became one of his many "best friends" instantly. He loved his fishing trips to northern Minnesota and Canada with so many different people, and every now and then he could be convinced to go fishing on Clear Lake or the Mississippi, even though in Shooter’s mind, the only "real" fishing was up in northern MN. In August 2002 he met his wife Cheri (Barbknecht) while catering a party for a mutual friend in Janesville, MN. Cheri and Ashley moved to Waucoma in 2004 and they later married in Las Vegas on April 23, 2010. He had three children — Kaylah, Logan, and Ashley — and he loved them with all his heart. When the kids were little there were many adventures, some of which included family trips to the Dells, driving lessons out in the field in "Ole Buckskin" and being his less than adequate farm hands at his hobby farm. The pay was low, the language wasn't great, but the memories and laughs were abundant. As they grew older they also enjoyed many ISU events with their Dad as well as fishing and deer hunting. Shooter and Cheri packed a lot into their 19 years together. Many thought that through her teaching profession she would be able to school the "Big Shoot" to her more cautious ways...let's just say it didn't take very long before "SHE JUST LEARNED" to enjoy the ride! Their time together will be remembered with plenty of love, laughter, jokes, and hosting get-togethers for friends and family. Shooter was a master of cooking delicious food and loved sharing that talent with many others. He also loved "making cooking videos" while he prepared these feasts. Together they developed a passion for traveling to Caribbean destinations and yearly family fishing trips "Up North". He was many things to many people but especially loved being “Papa Steve” to his two grandchildren, Jada and Blair. Shooter made special time for their dance recitals, school programs and loved having breakfast with them at Dave’s Restaurant in Charles City. Shooter was one of those guys who really did get along with everyone. Most people who knew him would have never guessed he was 70; he certainly didn’t act like it, that’s for sure. His friend groups crossed all ages; it included but definitely was not limited to fishing buddies (of which there are many) neighbor kids, coffee groups, and work friends. He was great at dispensing advice, even if he didn’t follow his own counsel most of the time. He loved entertaining through storytelling, and most recently he took to "playing" guitar and singing for small crowds only. His loss leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family, and he will be dearly missed by legions of friends. There is no doubt that the world was a better place with Shooter in it. In his words, "Once you've had the best, you forget the rest!" ~Big Shoot He is survived by his wife, Cheri of New Hampton, IA; his son, Logan (Nace Waterman) Demaray of New Hampton, IA; two daughters, Kaylah (Nick) Schweizer of Marble Rock, IA, Ashley (Travis) Arends of Parkersburg, IA; two granddaughters, Jada and Blair Schweizer of Marble Rock, IA; father, Leighton Demaray of Rockford, IA; one brother, Mike (Julie) Demaray of Osceola, IA; four sisters, Connie (Gene) Schuster of Rockford, IA, Pam Dight of Osage, IA, Debbie Huft of Rockford, IA, Kim (Jerry) McDowell of Mason City, IA; his wife’s parents, Deb Barbknecht and Alan Barbknecht; a brother-in-law, Eric Barbknecht of Janesville, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; special friends, Rylee, Jordan and Jaxen Ferch of Charles City; and his two beloved dogs, Maggie and Zoey. He was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, Jay Demaray; two brothers-in-law, Tom Dight, Jack Spence.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  7. Cheri, so sorry to hear this. Shooter was always so welcoming and friendly he will be missed by many. Praying for comfort for you and your family.

    Reply

  9. Shooter was an amazing guy! Will forever cherish the memories made working at FS and helping him cater a few times! ❤️

    Reply

  18. I’m so very sorry, Cheri Demaray. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish I could give you the biggest hug.

    Reply

  20. Cheri, our deepest sympathy and prayers. Please know that we are always here for you in any way. God be with you. 🙏 They are going to love Shooter’s BBQ in heaven! ❤️

    Reply

  21. I am so sorry to hear this!!! Shooter always had some great fishing stories. Sending prayers and hugs to Cheri Demaray and family.

    Reply

  39. So sorry to hear this. Thinking of your families and friends at this time (Cheri Demaray, Kaylah Schweizer, and Logan Demaray).

    Reply

  44. We are so sad to hear of his loss. Such a funny guy gone way too soon. Loved hearing his fishing stories and playing our little prank on him 😁. Prayers and hugs from us.

    Reply

  47. Oh Cheri my heart is breaking for you and your family. Shooter was such a great guy and will be greatly missed. Praying for your family.

    Reply

  81. My heartfelt sympathy for you, Cheri, Ashley and Travis. 😥Lifted in my prayers🙏
    So many fun memories spent with Shooter to treasure. Hugs and love…♥️

    Reply

  94. Oh Cheri Demaray… my heart breaks for you and all your family right now. Sending all our love and prayers.

    Reply

  104. Cheri, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It is so difficult to say goodbye and especially so suddenly. You and your family are in my prayers and I’m wishing you comfort and healing during this very difficult time.

    Reply

  107. Oh Cheri…such sad, sad news. Sending our heartfelt, deepest sympathy to you and your family. (God must’ve needed a guitar player up in heaven)
    Sending love and prayers..Steve and Shellie

    Reply

  108. Our hearts are so heavy as we mourn the loss of Shooter. He was one of a kind, and loved so dearly by all who knew him. We are heartbroken for you Cheri, Logan, Kayla, & Ashley. Shooter stole a little piece of the Maas fam’s heart, and we will forever treasure our memories with Big Shoot!

    Reply

  110. So sorry to hear of your loss. thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeromy told us of the fun fishing trips they had together.

    Reply

  115. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers & my sincere sympathy to Cheri & families. “Shooter” could make me laugh, no matter my mood or the day! Will keep those memories with me forever.

    Reply

  116. Cheri and family you have my sincere sympathy. Shooter was truly one of a kind. He always made me laugh and you never knew what he was up to next. It has been a pleasure working with him. He will be missed by so many. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

  118. Shooter McGallin I called him from movie Happy Gilmour.. He brightened our morning coffee gang at Klunders Kafe. Every time he walked in there was chuckling of some sort!! Fishing stories and general BS master of lighting up a room!! Great person… sure gonna miss him… RIP buddy🐠🐠🐠God bless Sherri and all his family!!!❤️👍 (2R’s) Garry Schmitt

    Reply

  125. Sorry for your loss to shooters family .. One and only Shooter … one of the best Fishing buddy’s a guy could ask for .. will be missed we had allot of fun 🎣 ..

    Reply

  126. Cheri, Ashley, Travis, Kayla, Logan….sending hugs and love during this most difficult time. My heart hurts for you all. Treasured memories of visits with Shooter’s humor and awesome cooking! Lifting you in my prayers. May God sustain you with His Strength and Comfort. 🙏💕

    Reply

  128. To Cheri and Family our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We will cherish the memories we shared with our dearest friend Big Shoot.

    Reply

  129. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been in the audience for one of his guitar performances after a fine meal he made. Rest easy Shooter. Cheri and family you have our deepest sympathy. Prayers for comfort.

    Reply

  137. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    Reply

  139. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

    Reply

  141. Cheri , Logan , Logan Sister , Ashley , & Family Everyone!! God Watch Over Each One Of You In This Time Of Very Very Awful Sad Time On The Lose Of Shooter !! We Are There For Each One Of You !! Shooter Was An Very Awesome Person , Touched Everyone Who He Touched ! Shooter was So Very Awesome We Love You All !!We Love Shooter So Very Much Also !! Are Prays Are With Each One of You , & Thoughts !! You All Have Very Very Many Awesome Memories Of Shooter An You Can Share Them With Each Other Plus An Lot Of Close Friends Have Many Awesome Memories Of Shooter !! Shooter Well live One !! Love Alice , & Tom Rasing

    Reply

  142. Shooter Well Live On In Shooter Family , Everyone Who Shooter Touched , & All His Awesome Friends Shooter Well Live One In Each One Of Us For Ever !’ Steven Is In Heaven With God !! Love Alice , & Tom Rasing

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Free Planning Kit

Receive FREE Information

Request Now
Header Logo