Steven Gary Wander, 70, of Elgin, Iowa died December 26, 2020 at his home in Elgin, Iowa. He was born October 18, 1950 to Jacob and Bertha (Tinderholt) Wander at Postville Community Hospital. Steve attended Clermont Elgin School and later moved with his father to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin where he graduated high school. Steve continued his education, earning a four-year degree from Upper Iowa in education and business.
On December 10, 1976, Steve was united in marriage with Eileen Howe, together they started their life journey in Holmen, Wisconsin and purchased their first home in Ettrick, Wisconsin. That is where Steve started his wood products business. In 1988 they decided to move their family and business to Iowa. Throughout the years, Steve worked as a chef-cook at many restaurants, including Mill Street Diner in Clermont, Iowa and Emma’s Sweets Bakery in Elgin, Iowa. He also worked many odd jobs including building fences, picking apples, factory work and construction. Steve also taught shop class and business management at Valley High School in Elgin, Iowa. Before retirement, Steve worked at John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. He served many years in the Wisconsin National Guard.
Steve loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid motorcycle rider and long -time member of Abate of Iowa. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and loved to build things for his family. He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. Steve loved life and was always a practical joker. He loved talking with people, be it family, friends and strangers and could spend hours just visiting.
Surviving Steve are his wife, Eileen; children, Michael (Kelly) Detter of Parker, Colorado, Shannon (James) Brown of Calmar, Iowa, Michelle (Terry) Garlow of Elgin, Iowa, Jason (Ginger) Wander of Elgin, Iowa and Steve (Cassie) Wander of Clermont, Iowa; grandchildren, Hannah, Chelsea and Jack Detter, Lorissa (Tyler) Mittlestead, Timmy and Anna Brown, Bridgette and Allison Garlow, Zachary Kruse, Sebastian, Brayden, Chloe and Preston Wander; and a sister-in-law, Chris Wander.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Bertha Wander; brothers, James (Julienne) Wander and Jerry Wander; sister, Betty (Roy) Halverson; and his very special father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wallace and Esther Howe.
Funeral Services will be at 2:30 pm on January 2, 2021 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home, Elgin, Iowa with a visitation starting at noon until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Masks and social distancing are recommended.
Inurnment will be at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.