Stephen Oliver

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

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