Stephen Oliver
September 23, 2011
Steve Oliver was born on August 21, 1944 to Velma & Richard Oliver in Newton, Iowa. His siblings include Jim, Donna and Gayle.
He had the joy of attending country school before moving to Des Moines. During his teens he loved racing motorcycles in enduros and hill climbing with his best friend Gary. He was a regular at the Bean Bowl in Highland Park. He graduated from North High School in 1962.
Steve married his favorite nurse, Kay in 1967, as she married her favorite patient, Steve. Their 44-year marriage was blessed with daughter Diana and son Greg. The entire family enjoyed many camping trips, skiing in Colorado, white water rafting and NHRA drag races. Steve and Kay traveled the world together and with cherished friends. Wedding anniversaries were celebrated with hot air balloon rides, and motorcycling around the US and through the Alps (including Switzerland, Italy and France). Or a camping trip into Alaska. As Steve’s health deteriorated recent trips were cruises to the Mediterranean (2), through the Panama Canal, and through New England & Canada.
His five grandchildren were a huge blessing to him. He loved to tease them. The annual camping trip was a favorite for all. Sitting around the campfire and hearing stories about their parents was the highlight for the grandchildren. He and Kay arranged a special Polar Express night every Christmas, scavenger hunts at night in the snow and Easter egg hunts in the backyard.
Steve burst into Heaven on Sunday afternoon Sept. 25, 2011, in a hospital in Indianapolis. He and Kay were returning from a trip to drag races in Charlotte, NC, and several days of playing at Myrtle Beach.
Steve has requested that if you are joining the family for the visitation or the Celebration of Life service please dress comfortably and colorfully. ‘You can’t have a party if you look like you’re going to a funeral!’
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Kay, daughter Diana Chebuhar (Ken), son Greg (Judy) and the “five little darlings” Steven, Kelsey, Gabby, Kyle and Megan, brother Jim (Nanci) and sister Donna Musso. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Velma Oliver and brother Gayle.
Visitation will be Thursday September 29th from 6:00 – 8:00pm, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. The celebration of life will be held on Friday September 30th at 10:00am, at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill, IA.
Memorials may be given to Oakwood United Methodist Church or to the American Diabetes Association.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Test
10/03/2011
This is a test message
Liz Arthur
10/03/2011
Kay, Diana, Greg, and families,
Steve was truly one of a kind in many ways. His gruff exterior came with a caring heart.
His friendship was valued by Dan & I and all in the Ellis family. We remember the good times, especially at Staves youth group events, church, 4th of July and Christmas Eve gatherings through the years, and look forward to seeing Steve again sometime in a better place.
Love and prayers to the Oliver extended family and friends.
Diane Wasson Eberhart
09/29/2011
Kay,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, Steve. Please know you are in my prayers and in the prayers of many during this time of grief.
May God's arms of love surround you.
Jim and Linda McPherson
09/29/2011
Dear Kay and Family,
Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
Steve was always, "Well just Steve. What you saw is what you got." He was very opinionated about life and helpful to all who asked for his assistance. He was always a friend to those he choose to share his life with and will be missed greatly by these persons.
May God bless all of you in the days ahead and give you comfort knowing that your loved one was and is secure in the hands of our Lord.
Life will never be the same without Steve, but still you will have the memories to honor a life that was lived to the fullness extent.
Love, Jim & Linda