Stephen Eric Reno

On October 9, 2023, Steve Reno journeyed from his home here on Earth to his home in Heaven. He had undergone open heart surgery on August 18, which went well but recovery did not. Numerous infections, a stroke and kidney failure overcame his strong will and strength. To the end, Steve first and foremost wanted to protect his family from pain and sorrow, so he wrote his own obituary to spare them of that worry. Thus, here is the extremely straightforward (family editorialization here) and humorous way he wanted everyone to remember him.
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Hello. My name is Stephen Eric Reno. I go by Steve. I'm writing my own obituary so as not to put anyone else through this ordeal. If you're reading this, I'm gone!
I was born June 7, 1949, at St. Francis Hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa to Max E Reno and Frances Hartzler Reno. I grew up briefly in Bloomfield, Iowa before my family moved to Bonaparte, Iowa in first grade.
I graduated from Harmony High School in 1967, the University of Iowa in 1971, and Drake Law School in 1980.
I served as Van Buren County Attorney from 1986 until joining the staff of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller in Des Moines, where I represented the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
I married my high school sweetheart and love of my life, Joanna Lee Hoaglin, May 30, 1970. We had two of the best kids ever; Shannon (Eric) Hanson and Erik (Lisa) Reno, plus two wonderful grandchildren, Ryan and Hendrix Reno. I have a half-sister in St Paul, MN, Pam Holt. Preceding me in death were my sister Heidi Shriver, brothers Marc and Bill Reno, and parents Max and Frances Reno.
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Steve's outgoing, somewhat sarcastic, larger-than-life, never-knew-a-stranger personality provided hours of entertainment to his many, MANY friends and family. Whether it was on the golf course, at a Hawkeye or St. Louis Cardinals game, wintering in Florida, or enjoying a craft beer while listening to live Blues, he could always draw out the deepest introvert and make the biggest curmudgeon laugh.
In accordance with Steve's wishes his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at the Bonaparte Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Caston officiating. Burial of cremains will be in Bonaparte Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve's honor to Villages of Van Buren or Forevermore Scholarship, University of Iowa Center for Advancement may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 964 Robin Circle, Altoona, IA 50009. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.