Stephen Abuhl

Stephen George Abuhl, 81, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on November 16, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, and was raised on a farm outside of Ankeny, where he learned the value of hard work, humility, and faith, qualities that shaped every moment of his life.

In his younger years, Stephen traveled for a time, eventually finding himself in Tulsa, Oklahoma after running out of gas, a moment he always said was one of the greatest blessings of his life. It was there he met the love of his life, Alene, his beautiful bride. They were married for 56 years, sharing a lifetime of devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Stephen and Alene were blessed with three daughters: Charity Abbott (Royce), Faith Mathews (David), and one daughter who preceded him in death). Stephen was a proud grandfather to two grandsons, Bailey, (who also preceded him in death, and Noah; and a delighted great-grandfather to Bailey's son, Peter.

Stephen grew up in a large and loving family with three brothers and four sisters: Jacob (preceded in death), Rachel, Susanna, David, Mary, Mark, and Priscilla. He cherished his many nieces and nephews and was known for playing "old gray wolf," delivering just the right amount of fright and fun to every child in the family.

A dedicated professional, Stephen worked as a truck driver for Praxair in Des Moines, Iowa, where he built a reputation for reliability and integrity. After retiring, he continued working at O'Reilly's in Ankeny, Iowa, where he remained until December 2025, blessing coworkers and customers alike with his kindness.

Stephen was an enthusiastic fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, rarely seen without a football in hand, always ready for a quick game of catch. But even more than his love for sports, Stephen's life was defined by his deep and vibrant faith in God. He knew Scripture inside and out, carrying his Bible in his truck and reading it faithfully every day.

He joyfully served as an elder, a deacon, and a church greeter, offering a warm hug to everyone who walked through the doors. He also spent many years working with Awanas, leading games and helping children memorize scripture, planting seeds of faith that will grow for generations. He was blessed to go on several mission trips to the Philippines, Indonesia, Israel and Mexico and served on the board for Child Evangelism Fellowship for many years.

Stephen was a gentle man whose very presence brought comfort. He lived with joy, purpose, and the sure hope of his eternal home, confident that one day he would see his Savior face to face.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and steadfast devotion that will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Ankeny Free Church, located at 118 NW Linden St. Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Visitation is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be provided at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Ankeny Free Church for Camp Scholarships, a cause close to the family's heart.