Steven Coffin
December 12, 2021
Steven Lyle Coffin passed away on 12-12-2021 (at age 71) due to COVID infection. Born on 12-12-1950 to parents: Lyle & Alice Coffin. Steve was Married for 49 years to his love, Deb.
Steve lived in Iowa his whole life. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1969 and attended Grandview College. He worked as a Data processer, drove medical transport vans for Fraser's, Midwest & KMS. He was a volunteer at Saylor Township Fire & Rescue Dept.
Steve loved watching his grandson's sporting events, fishing, watching Survivor with good friends, and playing with his grand & great-grandchildren.
Steve leaves behind his wife, 3 sons, 8 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much, plus 2 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law, several nieces/nephews, cousins & good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 22 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Steve will be laid to rest at Pine Hill Cemetery following the service.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kellyn Tolly
12/21/2021
My favorite memories of Uncle Steve are catching crawdads, teaching me to ice skate on the creek and tickling us all until we couldnt breathe. You were many blessings and fun to many people Steve! Love you and will miss you.
Dylan Coffin
12/19/2021
I remember catching my biggest fish on his pole after he said I could get this one. He was always there for sports, family, or just to say hi. Love his jokes that will always make me smile. Thankful he had time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We love you and will cherish all the memories and things you did for all of us. Till we meet again grandpa.
Anna Hoffman
12/18/2021
Deb - I loved getting to know Steve better during his time at Fraser. He was funny, gentle and caring. And I know you two were an example of a perfect marriage. Let me know if I can do anything for you or the boys,
Larry & Ruth Anderson
12/17/2021
Steve will be missed, He was a very proud Man. His love for the kid's &
grandkids was out of this world, never missing the sports they played. Biggest Fan! RIP Steve. Until we meet again.
Shane Coffin
12/17/2021
My father was always there when I needed him, to reprimand me when needed and trust me I needed that a lot, he was a little league coach for my brothers and I, a Cub Scout leader, and so much more. He taught me how to hunt, fish and what it takes to be a man. His knowledge seemed endless, his math skills were legendary, his memory unchallenged because it was always accurate, no one could ever take his place in my mind, I remember one instance when I was in elementary that he made the comment of " I won't stand to close to you so you're not embarrassed in front of your friends " at my young age I didn't know how to say it but instead I held his hand and said "Let's go Dad", he was a hero for me and maybe never knew. He was a friend to everyone who knew him and the only thing that one could ever say is he talked too long, my Dad could talk, there was always kindness or wisdom in what he said, lost on some, cherished by me. In his later years I enjoyed our time fishing or him answering every time I called to talk, I had no idea how much our time was much shorter than I liked, I'm glad our last conversation was how much I loved him, I will miss you more than you will ever know Dad.
Scott Coffin
12/17/2021
How do you say goodbye to your hero? Its painful and impossible to believe. Dad was one of the funniest people I knew. From the way every child he knew had a nickname. Or jokes so bad you rolled your eyes but still made you smile. He was really smart too and loved to read. Most of the books I love reading now he either gave to me or suggested. He taught me how to play cribbage as kid and I love the game as an adult. Its only as an adult you realize how great your parents really were and the gifts they gave you that make you who you are. I dont remember the toys or were they are, but the sense of humor, the work ethic and the desire to do good is what I get to keep forever. Thank you Dad. I only hope I can live up to the standard you set as a father, a husband and a human being. It is true that Dad knew someone no matter where you went and people really liked him. I wonder if thats why people often think my name is Steve. Sometimes that is best compliment I get all day.
Jenny Coffin
12/16/2021
When I met Steve in 2016 he welcomed me and my kids into the family with open arms and treated us as his own. He and Deb have driven hundreds of miles to sit in the cold for their grandkids sporting events, usually being one of the first to arrive. I always enjoyed listening to him tease the kiddos and then laugh that way he did when he was being ornery. He loved the family with his whole heart and would do whatever he could to make everyone around him smile. Steve had a way of making you feel special, like on every Mother's Day, he would personally deliver a hand-picked flower basket to each of his daughter-n-laws. He has shown us all what true kindness looks like, expecting nothing in return. Steve has left my little family with beautiful memories and his warm heart will be missed greatly. Although we cannot see him anymore, I know his love will still guide us and he'll always be by our side.
Brian Coffin
12/16/2021
The most difficult thing I've done in my life, will be telling how much I Love you Dad (Pops) and how much you will be missed by all the people you touched in your life. We couldn't go anywhere, without someone knowing dad and the smile on their face when they would exchange hello's and how ya doing. He made friends with people everywhere he went, from coworkers, employees at the stores he would frequent, simply someone he might see once a month on his medical transport trips for them. He would always tell me, that Grandpa Lyle would be so proud of all that you can do and have done. I know it was dad's way of telling me he was the one who was proud. I'll miss our talks, my calls for advice on issues at work or in life, taking trips with me to go pick up some random thing for home or work and the stories of the adventures he had with the grandkids. We were blessed with a Kidney Transplant last year for Dad, he seemed like a new man and got to enjoy more things that Dialysis was holding him back from. I only hope that I can be half the man and father he was to us. Thank you Pops for guiding me along the path of Life. From many fishing trips, coaching in little league baseball, showing us how to give back to our community through donation to meaningful causes or running towards burning buildings to try and save lives. As a child, I thought my dad was a hero for being a volunteer firefighter. As a teen, well I was an average teen in my opinion. As an adult, I realized I probably had the best parents growing up. I hope my children will think the same of me. I will miss our talks, advice and your smile, but most of all, I will miss You Dad.
Nikki Coffin
12/16/2021
The favorite memories I have of Steve include the love and pride he had for his grandchildren. He was always up for taking Braden to their favorite snack store- Kwik Star and go explore Jester Park. He was a phone call away when needed in short notice to transport one of the kids or let Roxy out.
Chuck and Judy Mowery
12/16/2021
If the dictionary had a description of Mr. Nice Guy, there you would find Steve Coffin's photo. He was the one guy who practiced, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." I never heard him say anything bad about anything. He adored his family and was always so proud of his sons and grandkids, We haven't seen much of Steve and Deb the last couple of years, but we will miss dinners out and, Survivor nights, and New Years Eve Celebrations, (where we always ate too much) Playing cards and Steve's unlimited use of the Chuck's Special to meld into Hand and Foot, laughing until our sides hurt because at 11 pm everything is funny when you are old and waiting on Midnight so we could go home and sleep. Rest in peace dear friend, we miss you, but our memories of you will stay with us. Sending love and Hugs to Deb and family.
Jennifer coffin
12/16/2021
Steve was an amazing father-in-law and Grandfather. He always treated me with respect, he always bought his daughters-in-law flowers for mothers day. He was great with my kids, but my favorite memory however was when he and I were riding together to a football game and he had gotten all choked up talking about his sons, how amazing they are and how proud he was to have them be in such a good place in life.
Jim & Sharyn Ethington
12/16/2021
A Good Man
From Jim and Sharyn Ethington.
(In memory of Steven Lyle Coffin, brother)
Who is a good man?
He is one that stands for right
His soul is worthy of praise and prayer
His sense of wonder finds him loving children
He stands mature in decisions
He lives with a heart of gratitude
He has helpful hands and honest eyes
He is kind
He always leans toward self-control
He always keeps his optimism
And endures toil and stress
And in the end, he may at last seem worn
Together we all mourn with tearing eyes
Yet know within, a good man never dies
Shannon Harden
12/16/2021
So many memories of Uncle Steve. Playing and teasing me as a kid, threatening a toilet swirlie, Sunday dinners and cards after dinner. Steve and Deb got me started with babysitting, it was just Shane and Brian then. Once, I was in charge of picking strawberries while my grandparents were out of town, we had a bumper crop that spring and Steve just showed up to help when I had nearly every counter full and still had more to pick. Then when I had kids of my own and being in the same community and schools, Steve was alway at school sporting events, music programs, grandparents days - not only support his own grandkids but my kids too (his great nephew and niece), always cheering them on. I think I saw Steve and Deb more than weekly during wrestling season. As Steve has aged, he looked like my grandpa, even his walk was like grandpa's. Steve's love, support and excitement when he talked about or attended a grandchild's (or a great nephew or niece) event or activity. His giggle. He will be missed and memories cherished.
Roberta Johnson & Frank Kowal
12/16/2021
Steve and I graduated together in 1969 from Saydel High School. He later married my cousin Debbie and became an important part of our family. Steve was always there to help others when needed and never seem to complain about all of his illnesses. Steve was a dedicated husband and enjoyed his three sons and their families. His quiet soul and peace he carried through life will always be remembered. Rest in Peace and know that you were loved by so many.
Megan Johnson
12/16/2021
I remember Steve at family holidays when my grandma Lorraine was still with us. Steve was always kind to me and had a great giggle!! Always admired his love for Debbie and for his boys and his grandchildren. He was an extremely supportive man. Hugs to all!!