George Paul Steenson

George Paul Steenson, 90, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at Trinity Center of Luther Park Community on March 24, 2024. George was born April 3, 1933 to Arvid G. and Irma C. (Libakken) Steenson in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1943 his family moved to Iowa where George and his older sister, Clarice attended Des Moines schools. George graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and entered the Air Force Reserves. He was discharged early in 1952 due to his college plans to pursue engineering at Iowa State University.

George met the love of his life, Marjorie Elaine Johnson, at a new student reception at the Lutheran Student Center at ISU. They were married in 1955 after Marge graduated, and they lived in married student housing until George graduated in 1957. The first year after his graduation they lived and worked in Springfield, OH. In 1958 they moved back to Des Moines where George took a job at Iowa Power and Light, also while expecting their first son, David George. In 1959 came their second son, Douglas Paul. That year George and Marge bought their first house on Franklin Avenue in Clive where a neighborhood of young families became life-long friends. Their third son, John Halvard was born in 1963. In 1968 George and Marge built their dream house in West Des Moines where they lived for forty -one years.

George’s long career was in electrical lighting sales as a manufacturer’s representative of various commercial products. His life was also marked by numerous forms of service toward others in community and church. Committed and active members of their church, George and Marge found many ways to serve and be in leadership. George served on church council as well as stewardship and calling committees. He perpetually served as usher over many years. George was always interested in politics, serving on West Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission, and other committees and juries for West Des Moines and Des Moines. George was also active in local Republican politics.

George enjoyed golf, and playing Bridge with Marge in different card clubs. Most of all, George loved being with family. George and Marge enjoyed entertaining together, hosting friends and annual large family holiday gatherings. George enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, making it to all of his granddaughters’ concerts, and loving playing games with his grandsons.

George is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marge; and his sons, David (Natalie), Doug (Marilyn), and John (Pam) Steenson; grandchildren, Elaina and Anna Steenson, Kaylyn Hodge, Isaac and Mathias Steenson; many friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Irma Steenson, his sister Clarice Marx and her husband Don Marx, friends, and many beloved in-laws and cousins of the Cousins Club Unlimited.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines with visitation one hour prior. A private burial will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA.

Memorials can be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, West Des Moines, Iowa. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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