Steve Swank

Steve Swank, 75, of Oskaloosa, passed away Tuesday evening, February 21, 2023, at the Sioux Center Health Care in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Steven Lloyd Swank was born in Oskaloosa on October 2, 1947, to his parents, Lloyd Jacob and Marge Mae (VanDenBaard) Swank. Steve and his siblings, Yogi, Bonnie, and Wes, grew up on farms in the New Sharon and Otley areas. Steve, known then as Curly, graduated from Pella High in 1965 and immediately joined the army but not before getting the crops in with his dad. He served in Germany and Vietnam. He was so proud to be a veteran and was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. In 2017, Steve was chosen to travel to Washington, D.C., with the Honor Flight.
Trucking was a big part of his life; he began driving trucks at a young age on the farm and then worked as a mechanic on trucks and tanks in the service. In 1975, Steve leased a truck to DRS Transport and, in doing so, had a career there until his retirement in 2018. Upon retirement, Steve worked part-time, driving for Pella Corp.
During his time at DRS Transport, Steve met his lifelong, loving wife, Kathy. They married on December 20, 1986, at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Together they raised three wonderful children, Tiffany, TJ, and Trey. As a family, they loved their large chaotic fun-loving gatherings. Steve, nicknamed Spanky or Papa Spank, was the brunt of many jokes and teasing by his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. It was all in fun, and he loved it. His favorite place to be was Swank Acres in Otley – fishing, working, sitting by the bonfire, riding four-wheelers or his ranger, and just hanging out with family. Steve took great pride in his home, lawn, and garden. He was famous for his tomatoes, and he and Kathy canned many quarts each summer. One of the highlights of every year was his annual "Dudes" trips; he and his family traveled to various destinations and enjoyed their male bonding. Steve also loved grocery shopping; it was always time-consuming because visiting with the many acquaintances he met may have been more important to him than his actual purchases.
Steve was baptized and made his profession of faith in 1987 at Central Reformed Church. He served as an elder and was always willing to help in any capacity. He enjoyed his visits with shut-ins and the elderly while on the consistory. Steve also enjoyed meeting with his Sunday evening Small Group for many years, a time that helped enrich his faith and friendships.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Lloyd and Marge Swank; his in-laws, Jerry and Ruby Rozenboom; twin infant granddaughters: Chloe and Claire Snakenberg; a brother, Lyle "Yogi" Swank; sister-in-law, Karla Riches, and brother-in-law, Marvin Bloem.
His family includes his wife, Kathy; his children: Tiffany (Scott) Snakenberg, TJ Criss, and Trey (Casy) Swank; his grandchildren: Coy, Cade, Carys, and Cora Snakenberg, Kamden and Kobie Criss, Ruby Swank, and a new granddaughter arriving in the summer. Also surviving him are his siblings: Bonnie (Willie) Rozenberg of Pella, IA, Peggy Swank, and Wes (Janet) Swank of Otley; his sisters-in-law, Kim Bloem, Kris (Ron) Mitrisin, and Kelli (Glenn) Breuklander, all of Oskaloosa and their children and grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Steve will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Central Church, with Pastor Jon Nelson officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. in the lower level of the sanctuary. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery with Military Honors by the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Friday at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory; the family will greet visitors from 4-7 p.m. Memorials can be made to the Central Church Kitchen Fund or the American Legion Post #34.