Alex Stephens

Alex John Stephens, 39 of Creston, Iowa, died on May 7, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Alex was born on July 23, 1985 in Creston, Iowa to John and Karleen (Cronbaugh) Stephens and welcomed home to the family farm west of Diagonal by his siblings Adam and Abby. The home John and Karleen built for their children was full of love and laughter with Alex at the heart of it all, just as he was in his life in the Diagonal school and community. He carried the values instilled in him on the farm and in the community all of his life. He attended Northwest Missouri State University, pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon, and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Business in 2008. He returned to Diagonal to work at Sur-Gro Plant Food Co. and farm.
In 2013 Alex married his beloved wife, Sarah Lynn Geist. It was a marriage of equals with regard to their shared mission to enjoy life, help others, and be surrounded by too many good friends to name. They made their home in Creston and welcomed son, Parker John in 2015 and daughter, Peyton Lynn in 2018. Parker is a mini-Alex in every way and Peyton is his match in wit, determination, and the ability to make everyone smile. They made a million memories in their all too short time together: at home, on the farm, camping on trips, and at the lake in Mount Ayr. Alex loved his family greatly and was immensely devoted and proud; he never missed an event or a chance to celebrate their accomplishments, big or small. Sarah, Parker, and Peyton brought Alex so much joy and his unending love for them is the well from which he drew his courage and strength to fight his battle with cancer until the very end.
Those who knew Alex will remember his smile and sense of humor. Alex was a master conversationalist: he was funny, quick-witted, always ready with the perfect comeback or movie quote. He loved sports, being outdoors fishing and hunting, especially if it meant being with family and friends. He loved working the land and raising cattle and was very proud to be a farmer with his dad. He flourished at the big roles in life: son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, and friend to so many. He didn't take life's simple pleasures and small gifts for granted. In the end he was resilient, brave beyond any words, and then finally: he was at peace.
Alex was preceded in death by his grandparents Velmer and Maxine (Beymer) Stephens, Dale Cronbaugh and Alice (Wauters) Rychnovsky, and grandparents-in-law, Carroll "Lefty" and Cleola (Burchett) "GG" Geist.
Alex is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Stephens; children, Parker and Peyton Stephens; parents, John and Karleen Stephens; parents-in-law, Crae and Jodie (Giles) Geist; brother, Adam Stephens (Quinn); sister, Abby Elliott (Brad); sister-in-law, Kelsey Neitzel (Nick); and cousin/brother, Kevin Stephens (Sarah Pearl). He is forever remembered by nieces and nephews, Aria, Everly, and Liam Stephens, Alice, John, and Paul Elliott, Addison and Nash Neitzel; grandparents-in-law, Larry and Karon (Andrew) Giles; Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, and a very long list of friends.
To honor Alex's memory, a visitation will take place at the United Church of Diagonal on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the family present at the church from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Services will be held at the Diagonal Community High School Gymnasium on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 4:30 pm. Burial will follow in the Diagonal Cemetery. Following the burial, family & friends are invited to 209 Broadway in Diagonal for a celebration of life time to eat and tell stories of how this amazing man touched their life.
Memorials are to the family to be decided.