Steven Paul Vander Waal

Steven Paul Vander Waal, 75, passed away May 13, 2022. A memorial service with military honors will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Steve was born December 24, 1946 in Des Moines, IA to Mary (Ingram) and Paul Vander Waal. He graduated from North High School in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country for 3 years, 9 months and 16 days. He was honorably discharged in California and entered college. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Drake University. While attending college full-time, Steve worked for Pacific Bell before transferring to Northwestern Bell in Des Moines. After graduation, Steve was an auditor with the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement in 1997. He then started his second career as a Papa.

Steve excelled as a Papa and as a father. He was devoted to his family and attended the majority of their functions and activities. He stayed connected with family and friends across the country and was a long-time pen pal with a friend he met on a train trip. Steve was a very giving, generous and quietly supportive guy. He was there for everyone who needed him.

He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and volunteered at the Polk County Jail and the AA Central Office. He was proud of being Chief Steward for NTEU and being elected to the Greenfield Plaza Sanitary Sewer Board.

Steve was an avid Iowa Cubs fan and was a season ticket holder for many years, along with the Iowa State Girls Basketball. He was a fervent reader and an enthusiastic cribbage and card player who will forever hold the Midwest cribbage award.

Left to cherish his memory and collection of stories are his daughter, Julie and her sons, Brandon and Brice; his son, Jason and his children, Autumn and Hunter; his sisters, Cheri, Debbie (Joe), Micki, and Patti. Though divorced in 1987, Steve remained close to his wife, Linda Ogilvie and they continued to be there for each other and their children.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jack.

Memorials may be directed to the White House in Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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