Steve Mortimore

Steve Mortimore, age 82, left this life peacefully on October 11, 2025, with his family by his side. He had fought the good fight against multiple myeloma for several years, but made some important milestones, an important birthday for daughter and granddaughter, a last Iowa Football season, his 82nd birthday, and one last Iowa State Fair. Services will be held on Friday, October 24, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 before the service. Internment will be at 2 PM at Cedar Memorial.
Steve was born on October 5, 1943, to Roy E and Virginia (Stevens) Mortimore in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Fort Des Moines grade school, and Lincoln High School, graduating in January 1962. He lettered in football, track, and swimming, was vice-president of the Senior class, and attended Boys State in 1961. While growing up, he worked many part time jobs, including pulling onions for Lofredo Produce, delivering newspapers, and working at the South Des Moines Pool.
Steve's religious life began early as an acolyte at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Even when he went to college, he continued to acolyte at Trinity, where he served at the 5 AM mass at least twice a week. After moving to Cedar Rapids in 1967, he and Nancy joined St. Michael's (now Christ Episcopal), and he continued his service by being an acolyte, lay reader, chalice administrator, vestry member, and Senior Warden twice.
The Hawkeye fandom of Steve's life began in 1962 when he arrived in Iowa City, where he earned a BBA in 1967. He joined Delta Chi, participated in Navy ROTC, and worked at Iowa Book and Supply. While living in an apartment with five friends, he met a girl who lived across the hall with five friends. Steve and Nancy were married on January 9, 1965, still college students, and last January it became 60 wonderful years. In Iowa City, the family grew, with toddler daughter Jamie Lynn and baby John Bradley. Steve and Nancy attended as many Hawkeye events as possible, becoming season ticket holders for football and wrestling for most of their 60 years, tailgating with great friends. Eventually, sending off both Jamie and Brad to Iowa, and then granddaughter Andie. All bleed Black and Gold!
In 1967, Steve began working at Collins Radio, quickly moved on to Square D for about 20 years, then Oral B in Iowa City until retirement, serving as a purchasing manager both places. During his career, he participated in several professional organizations and held offices. After retirement he worked again as a PM at Hunter Specialties and again as Recorder for El Kahir Shrine for three years.
Shrine became a huge part of Steve's life. He was in DeMolay as a teenager; father and mother were also involved in Masonic organizations. After joining Mt. Hermon Lodge, he entered the El Kahir Shrine. As a Shriner, he participated in Color Guard, marched in many parades in the Midwest, served as an officer and then as President for several years until the unit disbanded. He and Nancy chaired three Shrine Potentate balls, so much fun. But his favorite volunteer task was driving children and their parents to the Shrine Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. He loved the happiness and joy there for children and their families.
Whenever Steve could help a child, he did. He became a Big Brother, a Boy Scout leader, helped with fishing clinics for underprivileged youth, and assisted with KidsSight, a Lion's activity for preschool vision screening. As a Boy Scout leader, he travelled with the troop, including his son, to the Boundary Waters and to Philmont, and many camping trips. Steve became a charter member of the North Liberty Lions club, so KidsSight was important, but also the Santa Breakfast and other community projects. Steve served as president of the chapter, and was a famous "tail-twister".
Steve always had a project or activity going, woodworking, cooking (terrific cook), hunting, planning fishing trips with friends (Boundary Waters and Canada), gardening (overproducing to be able to give to Feed Iowa First or the North Liberty Food Pantry), canning, playing bridge.
The Mortimore Family camped, and covered most of the United States in their pop-up camper. Steve and Nancy also had special trips and cruises, Italy, Alaska, the Northeast and Canada, a European river cruise, the Prague and Dresden Christmas markets, Hawaii, lots of amazing memories.
Survivors include, his wife and best friend Nancy, daughter Jamie Toledo, son Brad (Denise), granddaughter Andie Toledo, sisters Vonda Cummins and Joyce Rand (Dennis), nephews DJ and Eric Rand, Aaron and David Cummins, nieces Rachel and Molly Cummins, and their families, and many cousins. Special daughters…Yoko Doai, Japan; Marianne Takki, Luxembourg; and Adriana Mendez, Puerto Vallarta, and their families. And, Good Dog Swayze.
Preceding Steve in death, his parents Roy and Virginia, grandparents Roy and Reba Mortimore, and Steve and Eva Stevens, brother-in-law George Cummins. And, Good Dogs Pepper, Duchess, and Charlie.
Steve never knew a stranger, could talk to anyone, and cared about everyone. He is missed so much.
Memorials can be made to Shriner's Children's Hospitals, in care of El Kahir Shrine, Box 38, Hiawatha, IA 52233; St. Jude's, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; and Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

The family expresses their appreciation to Steve's caregivers, Dr. T. Sagers, Dr. M. Smith, the Mercy Hospital staff, the West Ridge Care Center staff, and St. Croix Hospice.