Stephen L. Smith
Steve's Family: I am a friend of Barb. I am truly sorry to hear of Steve's passing. May your family find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering and that he is with God.
Sara Roberts
Marion
IA
To Steve's Family: I want to express my deepest condolences at Steve's passing. I was a classmate of Steve's from Kindergarten through graduation. Steve was one of my first "boyfriends". I will always remember him walking me home from school in 6th grade. It was in the freezing cold of winter, but his humor and companionship kept us both warm on that long walk. I think this would be his hallmark in life to strive to over come the sometimes "bitter cold" of life. I know that Steve has struggled for many years. I would never have expected less of him to work hard to over come all the adversities life threw at him. I would like to think he has finally triumphed over all. May our loving Lord give his spirit his well deserved rest. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lori (Kensinger) Strasburger
Marion
IA
I was saddened to hear of Steve's death. I have known Steve since I was 5 and at Irving Elementary in Marion. Growing up in Marion in the 50's and 60's was the best. Playground ball games and neighborhood friendships are some of my best memories. The last time I saw Steve at Harmony House, he did not know me, but I just talked about growing up together ,grade school, Jr. High and being the last class in the old High School.We talked of Steve at our last reunion.He did many interesting things in his life.Blessings on his family and know that my prayers are with you all. He is at peace. Alice
Alice Kriegermeier Baker
Waterloo
IA
I was sorry to hear of Steves death. I knew he wasn't well. I remember all the good times we had in Junior High and High School.My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I'm sure he will be missed by all. Rosie Bensch Sears
Rosie Bensch Sears
SC
I was in the Class of 1962, so Steve was one year behind me at Marion High School even though we were seperated in age by only one day. The last time I saw Steve was in October of 1965 in McBride Hall on the Pentacrest on the University of Iowa campus. We had a short discussion while he waited to see Patrick Alston who was a history professor at Iowa at that time. Steve was talking about what had happened the previous day in the Memorial Union, just down the hill from the campus. I was present on October 20th in the Union during "Soap Box Sound Off" standing a few feet away from Steve when he sent the best message to the country and the world that anyone could have hoped for at that time. I loved him for what he did; I wished that I would have had the courage to do the same thing. I never saw Steve again or talked with anyone that was in touch with him, but I will never forget what he did. He was the bravest person that I ever met; I'm sure he helped change the history of our country and saved the lives of students who were still in high school at that time. I have told Steve's story to hundreds of my own students over the years. Dude, I promise, I won't forget you.
e. jon tracy
Fond du Lac
WI
To Steve's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve touched our lives in so many ways, he will be deeply missed. We will always remember his funny stories and adventures he shared with us.
Friends from Harmony House
Waterloo
IA
I was sorry to here of Steve's passing although I know he had a long fight with poor health he made a courageous fight to over come it. I have many fond memories of Steve as one of his Jr High/High School classmates of the last graduating class of the old Marion High School. He will be missed. Don
Donald Story
Osage Beach
MO
I know Barb through friends of Bill W. Barb, I pray the Lord to wrap his arms around you and keep you. To provide you good rest and peace of mind, heart and spirit. In Jesus name. Amen. Blessings to you and yours.
Carolyn Hughes
mechanicsville
IA
Our sincere condolences.
D. Michael "Mick" Lewis
Cedar Falls
IA
Sorry to hear about Steve, may he rest in peace. Steve was truly a good person who stood by his convictions.
Ray Bonebrake
New Sharon
IA
Altho I really don't know this extended part of my family, I was still sorry to hear about Stephen. I am Edna Barr's granddaughter (Chuck & Meriam Jurgensen's daughter) My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristin Usherwood (Jurgensen)
San Antonio
TX
To all of Steve's Family: There are people in our lives that touch our hearts in ways we will never forget. I was blessed to have worked with Steve at Harmony House and know through his many stories and sense of humor that he was a very special man. From the many stories from others who had the pleasure of knowing him before his brain injury he was an extraordinary man!! I will truely miss Steve but know in my heart that he is no longer suffering and Our Lord is pleased to have him by His side. My prayer is for you to find comfort in knowing that. With Love and Peace, Sandy Ferguson Program Coordinator Harmony House
Sandy Ferguson
cedar Falls
IA
Having worked with Steve at Kirkwood Community College for many years I know he was an instructor who gave of his time, energy and knowledge to his students and cared that each one learned as much as possible. He was also artistically talented working with stain glass and painting. Many years ago he gave me one of those paintings. I will treasure it even more now. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Barb.
Glenda Smith
Cedar Rapids
IA
I remember Steve as a top student and competitive sportsman. Also I remember the fun we had in that convertible Jeepster. Then he grew up and set a moral standard for all of us. I was proud that Steve came from my Senior Class.
Tom Halstead
New York
NY
Jill and I extend our sincere condolences to all of Steve's family. All of you should know that Steve was a special person to many others and especially to those of us who grew up with him. His humor,concern for others,and his willingness to speak out and take action when others would not, make his life most memorable and noteworthy. Steve's memory as a friend,team mate,and classmate will be cherished by all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Steve will be missed by all of the friends who had the pleasure of growing up with and knowing him.
Don Bailey
Manchester
MO
I want to express my condolences to Steve's family. My twin brother Rick and I grew up with Steve. Later when we moved to the East side of Marion, Steve lived just a couple of blocks away. Through the years I have often thought of Steve and his concern for the troubles the blacks where having in the South. I greatly admired him for standing up for his ideals. I will always remember his smile, watching him play football and basketball and just being my friend.
Susan Morehouse Lawless
Dallas
TX
would like to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Steve and I were friends, our families living next door to each other. One my earliest memories of Steve was when my family’s garage caught fire and it spread across the lot between our homes. The firefighters did end up putting out the fire, but our garage was completely destroyed. Even though he and I lost contact when his parents built a home on the east end of Marion, Steve and his family were always dear to me. We reconnected when I attended Kirkwood College in the 70s. Rarely a day went by when we weren’t in some kind of discussion. He was such a delight to talk to and it was always an interesting time with him. After I left Kirkwood , I lost contact with Steve, but a mutual friend kept me informed of how he was doing. I’m very happy his family had many years to enjoy the warmth and love of such a nice man. I will always remember with fond memories the times that Steve touched my life. Again, you have my sincere condolences on Steve’s passing. Sincerely Gary Clark
Gary Clark
Cedar Rapids
IA
I am sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I worked with Steve at Kirkwood and he taught me a great deal. I will never forget his dedication to his students and the way he could make us all laugh!
Christine Keith
Welland
ON
CA
Steve was kind, generous, level headed and practical when I knew him as a professor at Kirkwood. He taught me many of the most important things that I've learned about the software business, which BTW had little to do with the class he was teaching ;-). His other students and I owe him a great deal. His death is a significant loss.