Stephen Hersey

Stephen Hersey 75, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. He was born on September 7, 1950, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cass Hersey. He graduated from Moravia High School with the class of 1969. Following school, he returned to Mitchell, South Dakota and attended trade school for electrical work. Following his training he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force and moved to Oskaloosa. On November 17, 1979, he was united in marriage to Kay Wilmot at the First Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa. To this union three daughters were born, Angela, Amber, and Alaynna. Early on Stephen worked at Pella Corporation. After a few years at Pella, he explored employment opportunities at various places including William Penn College and Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store. Last he worked at Wal-Mart in Oskaloosa, retiring from there after 20 years of service. Stephen enjoyed attending the Gateway Church of the Nazarene. He was a servant warrior and looked for opportunities to pray for people and witness to those that would listen. He was a talented handyman and was quick to help family and friends with projects. He volunteered many hours helping the elderly with lawn work, errands, and transportation to appointments.
His family includes his wife of over 46 years, Kay Hersey of Oskaloosa; three daughters, Angela (Bobby Harper) Aery of Ottumwa, Amber Hersey of Oskaloosa, and Alaynna (Michael) Dunfee of Oskaloosa; two grandchildren; two brothers, Johnathan Hersey of Oskaloosa and Samuel (Wanda) Hersey of Washington; a sister, Sara Gardner of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Timothy Hersey and Thomas Hersey.
As was Stephen's wish his body has been cremated. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa. Burial will be held at a later date in the Fairview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.