Steven Ray Van Dee
October 12, 2014
Just as the sun rose over Wichita, KS at 7:34 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2014 Steven Ray Van Dee, age 45 of Kansas City, MO was called home by our Lord Jesus. Sunday was Steve’s favorite day of the week.
Steve was born in Des Moines, IA on April 2, 1969 to his parents, Janet and Jim Van Dee and sisters, Renee and Rita. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1987. He soon went to Conception Seminary in Conception, MO and graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. In 1994, Steve moved to Rome and went to Gregorian University, where in 1997, he graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in Philosophy. After a few years of not being in school, he decided to go back and attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated in 2011 with an MBA in International Business. Currently he was working for Price Waterhouse Cooper.
Steve loved to travel and was fortunate enough to visit numerous countries all over the world, including Scotland, Kenya, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Israel, and China, just to name a few.
Steve will be remembered for his warm heart, generosity, contagious positivity, and his great big smile, his love for God and for never knowing a stranger! As Steve always said, “Howdy!” and “Ciao for now!” Steve’s generosity will live on, as he was an organ donor.
Steve is survived by his parents, Jan and Jim Van Dee; his sisters, Renee Scott (Todd) and Rita Holt (Rick); his partner, Brad Seaman; two nieces, two nephews, and two great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Ryan Heithoff.
His visitation will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., in Des Moines, IA on Wednesday, October 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a vigil following at 7:30. Please plan to share stories with the family between visitation and the vigil. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m., at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave. S., in Altoona. Burial will be at Armah Cemetery near North English, IA following the luncheon at the church.
Memorial contributions in the name of Steve, can be made to On With Life in Ankeny, IA. On With Life provides care and rehabilitation to individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Don Powell and Sally Heidt
10/17/2014
Our hearts and prayers are with you, Jim and Jan Van Dee and to all of Steve's family. We know God is watching over you. To have such an accomplished child means he had great parents in his young life. If you two ever need us, you know we'll be here for you.
JoAnne Zallek
10/17/2014
To all of Steve's loved ones: my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I went to elementary school with Steve at St. Joseph's. Though he left this world too soon, it is inspirational to learn that he lived his life so fully and well. His love of education, travel, and his positive impact on everyone he met shows that he led an exemplary life. May your memories of your time together keep him close to your heart forever.
Joel Appelbaum
10/16/2014
To all those who loved Steve:
I had the pleasure to work with Steve for several years at Zürich. He was an awesome guy with a contagious positiveness and I always thought he had great potential. I am very sorry for your loss.
Bob Tschippert
10/16/2014
Dear Mr. & Mrs. VanDee,
I wanted to express my sincere condolences. I worked with Steve for several years and have many fond memories of our time together. He will be missed greatly and is in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Michael Chupeco
10/16/2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was an amazing man who made the world a better place. I am blessed to have known Steve as a fellow Georgetown classmate and as a good friend ever since. He was as brilliant as he was positive. We will miss him greatly and will keep everyone in our prayers.
Sherri Long
10/16/2014
Renee, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I pray for peace and comfort in your hearts as you go through these difficult days, weeks and months ahead.
Dave and Sherri Long
Norma K. and Marion K.
10/15/2014
I am saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I got to know Steve while he was working in West Bend. We would talk on our breaks and he would share his pictures of his house and dog. We will miss Steve's nice smile and all his stories and pictures.Rest in peace Steve.
Deb and Don Price
10/15/2014
Jim and Jan, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. I remember hearing of Steve's travels and the time he spent in Rome. My prayers will be for the entire family for peace, comfort and support during this time.
Ryan Engler
10/15/2014
So many good memories here in KC. Steve was one of the most positive people I've known over the years. Easily one of the most welcoming people I've ever met and had a soul full of talent and authentic concern for pretty much everyone. A good friend to all. God Bless Steve in his next journey. He and all those close to him are in my prayers.
Ryan Laws
10/15/2014
I got to know Steve when he lived in Kansas City. His positive attitude and smile will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family during this time.
Larry and Linda Icenbice
10/15/2014
Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending our sympathy and prayers. We often don't understand God's plan for us but we always know that He is with us and comforts us.
Savannah Robinson
10/14/2014
My only encounter with Steve was at my company party, but his magnetic personality still resonates with me when I think of him; I know he brought joy into many lives. May the peace that passes all understanding be with Brad and the family as they grieve their loss. You all are in my thoughts.
Dennis Giehl & Rose Giehl Bloom
10/14/2014
Our condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. Dennis remembers Steve from St. Joseph's. He can't come to the service because he's here in CA.
Stacy Bennett
10/14/2014
I only met Steve once at our company party. He had a very big smile, and was very personable. Although I only saw him the one time, he was mentioned in many conversations, as I work for his partner, Brad Seaman. My heart is heavy and sad for Brad, and both families. Rest in Peace Steve, and may you be an angel always and forever.... be sure to watch over Brad and the family. Sending Hug & Love from Kansas City.
Jo Chamberlin
10/14/2014
I was privileged to work with Steve at UUG and Zurich. His enthusiasm for learning and love of ideas was so contagious: We will always miss his "spark." Sharing your sorrow at the loss of this wonderful man.