Obituary of Michael Alan Steward

Michael Alan Steward, 39, died unexpectedly on October 19, 2008. Friends and family are gathering to share memories and stories of Mike at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2008, in the Upper Room of First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Iowa City Crisis Center. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com Michael was born on January 10, 1969 in Hayward, California, the son of Palmer G. and Elsa (Melanson) Steward. He grew up in California and Missouri, graduating from St. Louis University High School. He also attended St. Louis University and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1991. Following graduation, he lived in Vista, California for several years before returning to Iowa. A kind and gentle soul, Michael greatly enjoyed reading and intellectual pursuits, bicycling, sports and gourmet cooking. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Michael is survived by his parents, Elsa M. Steward and Henry White of St. Louis and Palmer Steward and Karen Beetham of Iowa City; sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Scott Steward Tharp and their daughter Pavlina of Washington, D.C.; sister, Sarah Steward and their children, Jasmine, Jordan, and Jerrod of St. Louis; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Michael’s family.