William H. Steven, 61, of Algona, died Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at his home. A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, at East Lawn Cemetery. A public visitation with no family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Algona. Social distancing practices will be followed and masks are required.
William Harvey Steven was born November 22, 1959 in Algona, son of Harvey and Pauline Steven. The first nine years of his life were spent in the state of Minnesota where his father finished seminary and began his first pastorate. Following a family move back to Algona, he attended Algona Community Schools and graduated in 1978. After his high school graduation, William held a variety of jobs in the baking and retail industry.
While living in Pocahontas, William served as manager of the local Dollar General store and loved greeting the many customers that entered the door. On January 21, 2015, he was united in marriage to Ward Rheuport.
During his spare time, William loved to cook and bake. He always had a surprise recipe to try out for special occasions or a fun gathering with friends. Friends were a big part of William's life and he loved catching up on the latest news about families, jobs, and vacations. In addition to his love for cooking and baking, William spent a great deal of time loving and spoiling their dogs, Butch and Rowdy. Often, he could be seen treating their four-legged friends like kids.
William died unexpectedly at home in Algona on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was 61.
William is survived by his mother, Pauline Steven of Algona; siblings, Thomas (Karla) Steven of Pella, Julianne (Charlie) Taylor of Pella, and Jonathan Steven of Algona; nieces and nephews, Danielle Steven and Clayton Steven of Pella, and Savannah Steven and Matthew Steven of Algona. William is also survived by extended family, Cassandra (Andrew) Jansen of Rolfe and their children Zoey and Zach Rheuport; sister-in-law, Gaby Thieseen of Weir, KS; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Preceding him in death are his husband, Ward; and his father, Harvey Steven.
Tributes
Todd Faber wrote on Jan 14, 2021:
"My sympathy to the Steven family during your time of grief. I met Bill at Hy-Vee and had reconnected on facebook over the past few years. I last heard from him in November, and was shocked to hear of his passing. He was always so nice to me. He will be missed. "
Ron Swalve wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"I did not know William, but my heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Jonathon, Matthew, Savanah, I grief for your loss. God bless you!"
CINDY VASKE wrote on Jan 7, 2021:
"William was such a kind and gentle soul! My sincere condolences to Pauline and the rest of his family. Lots of childhood memories of the Steven family when they visited their Grandma & Grandpa Bowman next door to us and then also of running into & chatting with William when he worked at HyVee. Always a smile & kind word!! God bless you all at this difficult time. ~Cindy (Laubenthal) Vaske "
Sara Clapsaddle-Andersen wrote on Jan 7, 2021:
"Prayers to William\'s family. He will be missed by many. He was such a caring person. "
Scott & Therese Davis wrote on Jan 7, 2021:
"William was a wonderful human being with a huge heart. He will be missed by both family and friends. God bless him and his family.
Scott & Therese Davis
Lake Panorama, IA"
KRHC PT Department wrote on Jan 7, 2021:
"From all of us in the Physical Therapy Department we offer our sincere condolences to Bill\'s family and friends. He always worked hard and with a great attitude. He will be missed by our entire staff. It was our honor to work with him. Sending our thoughts and prayers."
Mary (Haag) Hulsebus wrote on Jan 7, 2021:
"I am at a loss for words - my truest sympathy is extended to you all William was a very loyal, kind and caring person - he will be missed by many and my prayer is that you will find peace in God\'s loving arms"
Edith Hodgell wrote on Jan 6, 2021:
"So sorry to hear this news. He will be missed by many!"
Andrea kunik wrote on Jan 6, 2021:
"Bill will always be a special friend, we go way back to the 90\'s when we worked together at hyvee.
Me in the deli, and he in the bakery, you will forever be missed and always in my heart.,brittany walker and family, michael walker and family
Your good friend, andrea jo kunik(walker)"
Mark J.VonBank wrote on Jan 6, 2021:
"my heartfelt prayers to William\'s family and friends on their loss. He was kind and caring in his own special way. May he Rest in Peace. Sincere Prayers and Peace, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota-[formerly of Algona, Iowa.]"
Janet Holtzbauer Radig wrote on Jan 6, 2021:
"So sad to hear of Williams passing. He was a dear classmate of mine!! He was always so caring and interested in everyone\'s lives!!! He will truly be missed? Sympathies and prayers for his family? He is with Ward celebrating their union!!! RIP William and God bless!!! Janet Holtzbauer Radig, Class of 1978"