Stephen Francis Kosman

Stephen Francis Kosman obituary, Albia, IA

Stephen Francis Kosman

Stephen Kosman Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory on Oct. 7, 2025.
Stephen "Steve" Francis Kosman, age 62, of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.
Steve was born on February 3, 1963, at the hospital in Centerville, IA, to Francis Joseph and Helen Margaret (Johnson) Kosman. He grew up attending school and graduated from Albia High School with the Class of 1981. He then went to Indian Hills Community College where he studied Diesel Mechanics. In 1992, Steve began dating the love of his life, Debbie Cochran. They shared 33 years together prior to his passing.
Steve had a lifelong career as a skilled mechanic. While in high school, he worked for Castings Standard gas station and later at the Lovilia Trading Post. He then went to work for Foodliner as a mechanic before going to work at Duea Motor Company. He most recently worked as a mechanic for the Monroe County Secondary Roads Dept. before retiring.
Steve loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and tending to his vegetable garden. He also enjoyed raising Beagles and Terriers which he sold all over the state, with his favorites being Bobo and Jake. He was an avid Nascar fan with his favorite drivers being Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Steve enjoyed cooking, especially grilling and deep-frying turkeys. He was a very talented mechanic who could fix anything. He was a generous man with a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Steve is survived by his wife, Debbie Cochran of Albia; his siblings, Marlene Kosman of Albia, Peggy (John) Brothers of Columbia, MO, Barb Kosman of Albia, Pat (Lynda) Kosman of Albia, and John (Janet) Kosman of Iconium; and a sister-in-law, Susan Kosman of Creston. Steve is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen Kosman; a brother, Mike Kosman; a sister in infancy; 2 nephews, James and Chris Kosman; and a great nephew, Cody Kosman.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia followed by a burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Albia.
Memorials have been established to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Cancer Research Fund and Palliative Care Fund.
Cards of condolences can be sent to Steve's family c/o Tharp Funeral Home, 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, IA 52531.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Stephen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Stephen Kosman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Stephen Kosman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?