Steve McCollum

Steven Eugene McCollum was born on July 9, 1948, at the Manning Hospital in Manning, Iowa, the son of Ronald Eugene and Shirley (Peters) McCollum. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Manning and grew up there, attending Manning High School where he graduated with the Class of 1966. He went on to further his education at Iowa Western Community College, earning his associate degree.

In June of 1969, Steve was drafted into the United States Army. Just a few months later, on October 4, 1969, he married Linda Merk at Southside Christian Church in Council Bluffs. Together they were blessed with three children. During Steve’s time in the military, the couple lived in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served in Vietnam for eleven months, from March 1970 to January 1971. After his deployment, he was honorably discharged, and Steve and Linda made their home in Manning.

Steve worked for Rasmussen Lumber in Manilla before the family relocated to Harlan, where he was employed at Squealer Grain and Feed. They later returned to Manning, where Steve helped his father farm and began his long career as a mail carrier with the Manning/Denison Post Office. In 1993, Steve and Linda moved to Council Bluffs. Though he continued working for the post office, his job required frequent travel to Denison, and many weekdays he stayed with his parents in Manning to be closer to work. He also worked at Bunge North America. Following his retirement, the couple settled in Carroll, where Steve stayed active working part-time at Hy-Vee, farming with Keith Kerkhoff, and helping with Tiefenthaler Custom.

Steve was deeply committed to service and community. He was a proud member of the American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22, later transferring to the Arcadia Post 694. He was also a life member of the Manning VFW Post 3517 and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Throughout the years, he held leadership roles, serving as commander and participating in the honor ceremonial guard for many years with these organizations. Beyond his military service, Steve gave back to his community as a founding leader of the Aspinwall Achievers 4-H Club. In his leisure time, Steve enjoyed the simple joys of life. He could often be found relaxing in a lawn chair with a peaceful grin listening to golden oldies or country music. In his younger years, he loved dancing with Linda, and throughout his life, he cherished time spent with friends and creating lasting memories with his family.

Steve passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at his home in Carroll, Iowa at the age of 77 years, four months and three days. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Bill and Irene (Gleaves) Merk; siblings-in-law: Bonnie Jones, Edwin Merk and Dixie Jones.

Steve is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Linda McCollum of Carroll; three children: Chad McCollum of Fremont, Nebraska, Jeramy McCollum of Council Bluffs and Mandy (Bill) Lawler of Carroll; three grandchildren: Jacob (Paige) McCollum of Kingsley, Madison Lawler (Jacob Majava) of Des Moines and Garrett Lawler (Elexis Kistler) of Carroll; three great-grandchildren: Maize Grace, Moxon Steven and Marlowe Ember; sister-in-law, Joan Bartlett of Sun City, Arizona; his beloved dog, Chloe; and other family members and friends.

His graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Manning Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Manning VFW from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Manning VFW.