Obituary of Steve Elder

Stephen “Steve” Elder

July 15, 1949 – June 25, 2025

Steve Elder, 75, of West Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at his beloved family farm, where he lived his entire life.

Visitation will be held 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. A funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M. Monday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Liberty. Burial will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

He was born on July 15, 1949, to Stanley and Betty M. Elder, Steve was a devoted farmer. Farming was not just his livelihood but his true passion, and he poured his heart into tending his farm and raising cattle. He took pride in growing sweet corn, a staple that brought joy to his family.

A 1967 graduate of West Liberty High School, Steve furthered his agricultural knowledge through the Farmers Winter Quarter Course at Iowa State University in 1967. He proudly served in the National Guard Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974 as an X-ray technician. Steve’s work ethic shone through in his varied career, including roles as a machinist at Rohner Machine Works, Maintenance Supervisor at Simpson Memorial Home, and Property Manager at Midwest One Bank, all while running his self-employed farming operation.

Steve’s love for nature extended beyond the farm. An avid storm and sunset watcher, he found joy in the simple beauty of the skies. Each spring, he crafted maple syrup, a tradition that brought warmth to his family. He also enjoyed camping, cherishing time spent outdoors with family and friends. His sweet tooth was legendary, with a particular fondness for anything chocolate. Every Christmas, Steve delighted family and friends with his homemade fudge, while his chocolate chip and no-bake cookies were cherished year-round treats for his children and grandchildren.

A faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ORLC) in West Liberty, Steve lived a life grounded in family and faith. On March 6, 1971, he married his beloved wife, Betty J. Elder, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Steve is survived by Betty; their children, Renae Thompson (Jeremie), Scott Elder (Amanda), and Kevin Elder (Laura); six grandchildren, Shane, Tyler, Jesse, Stella, Kendall, and Brady; his sister, Roberta McKee; brother, Larry Elder; and sister, Ann Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Betty M. Elder.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the family he cherished, and the sweetness he shared with the world. lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Steve’s memory.