Robert Oscar Steben

Robert Oscar Steben, 85, passed away on December 7th, 2025, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Robert was born on December 25, 1939, in Butternut, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Berean Assembly of God Church (5299 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill). A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, also at the church. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Robert graduated from Butternut High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17 and served as a Navy Corp man/medic for three years with honorable discharge. Robert worked multiple jobs as a young husband and father to provide for his family. This included his job at Mendoza State Mental Hospital where he met his wife, Dee Ann in 1961-1963. Robert and Dee Ann were married on November 9th, 1962.

Robert began working for AMVETS in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1967. Robert moved his family to Iowa in 1974 and began working as Executive Director for AMVETS in the Federal Building. In 2003, Robert retired from AMVETS and took a position as Executive Officer of Veteran's Affairs at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. Robert was a strong advocate and supporter of veterans with disabilities. Robert retired from Veteran Affairs in 2022 at the ripe age of 82 and continued to help veterans after his retirement.

Robert and his wife built a home on an acreage in 2001. Robert spent the last 24 years hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved nature and the countryside. Robert enjoyed gardening, taking care of his chickens, and maintaining his land. Spending time outdoors reminded him of where he grew up in rural Butternut, Wisconsin. Robert and his wife were board members at Berean Assembly of God in Pleasant Hill for many years. Robert cherished his family above all and loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. You could always find Bob taking his grandchildren on ATV rides or relaxing on his dock with a fishing pole in hand.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dee Ann Steben; son, Scott Steben; son, Marc Steben (Melissa); daughter, Sarah Nixon; son, Judd (Jennifer Berkes); grandchildren, Zachary (Amy) Steben, Joshua (Jenny) Steben, Ashley (Solomon Colunga) Steben-Colunga, Devin Steben-Anderson, Bethany (Eliezer) Phillips, Dylan Steben, Zoey (Aryeh) Kopp, Alexander Nixon, Britney Nixon, Andrew Nixon, Taylor Nixon, and Evy Steben; and 17 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Arthur William Steben and his mother, Lula Mae (Cravey) Steben; sister, Lorraine Dane, sister, Dorothy Hanish; brother, Marvin Steben; and son-in-law, Douglas Nixon.

Anyone who had the honor of knowing Bob Steben knew he always rooted for the underdog, enjoyed a nice slice of cheesecake, and appreciated a good joke. He will forever be in the hearts of his beloved wife and family.