Obituary of Stephen A. Barnes

On January 20, 2024, Stephen Alan Barnes, of Iowa City, passed away at St. Luke’s hospital in Cedar Rapids. He was surrounded by his 3 children.  Steve was born in Iowa City, Iowa on May 17, 1952.  He was the second child in a family of five (four boys and one girl) born to Lawrence “Bud” and Barbara Barnes. 

Steve was raised on a farm south of Iowa City and spent lots of time outdoors running through fields, barns, and haylofts on his and his grandmother’s farm, playing with friends and cousins.  Having country roots, Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He lived for the times he could be on the lake fishing, with his children, family, friends, or by himself.   The yearly family fishing vacation to Minnesota was something he looked forward to, as well as trips to Canada to fish with his good friends. Steve was a graduate of Iowa City West High School class of 1970.  He participated in sports, excelling especially in wrestling.  Sports, participating in them and cheering on his kids and grandkids, were a large part of his life.  Much to the dismay and confusion of his family, he was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan.  Still, his kids and family bought him Cardinal paraphernalia, even against our better judgement (Go Cubs!!). 

The pride of his life were his three children: Ryan (Sydney) Barnes, Amanda (Chad) Nelson, and Curt (Kayla) Barnes.  And the loves of his life were his five grandchildren: Chase Barnes, Mya and Harper Nelson, Colton and Sadie Barnes.  Steve was preceded in death by his mother Barbara (Paulus) Barnes and his brother Timothy Joseph Barnes. 

He is survived by his father, Bud Barnes, children and grandchildren, his brothers Larry Barnes and Bruce Barnes, and his sister Linda Barnes. At his request there will be no funeral services.  A celebration of life will be held at the family farm at a later date.