Steven Eric Willis

Steven Eric Willis, 67, died on August 11, 2023 of the sporadic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Born December 2nd, 1955 in Hannibal, MO, he was the oldest child of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stover) Willis, and older brother to Janet. He grew up in Kewanee, IL and Burlington, IA. Steve held a Paralegal associate degree from Kirkwood Community College and a Bachelor of History from the University of Iowa (1993). In 1987, he married Margaret J. (Peg) Paquette in Iowa City, where his daughters Ali and Bernadette were born. They moved to Des Moines in 1995 and established their current home in Urbandale in 1997.
He worked as a paralegal and as a collector throughout his life, but mainly devoted his time supporting his wife in her career and raising their daughters. Steve had a big personality, a generous nature, and a love and loyalty to friends and family that was sacred to him. He also had a desire to enjoy all that life had to offer from music, dancing, movies, books, and art to cards, sports, education, and politics. As a Navy veteran, Steve would constantly tell stories about his time during his four years serving and traveling the world. He befriended other veterans returning to college in the late 1970's, who are and remain his special lifelong friends and family.
As a father, he loved coaching basketball and softball for both Ali and Bernie. He supported his daughters' pursuits zealously, whatever they were. Later, as an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan (and we can't forget the Chicago Bears), he created a Facebook group called Forevermore. He provided commentary, personal insight, unbiased reporting, and links to articles and updates on all things Hawkeye sports to over 1,100 followers.
While opinionated in most other aspects, sometimes loquacious, he could write and express himself so eloquently. More recently, he thought about becoming a writer and taking more classes. Unfortunately, the disease that so cruelly took his life robbed him of those pursuits and a life of travel in retirement with his wife. We will remember him as a larger-than-life character who has left a bigger than life hole in all our hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Joyce (Peg), daughters Meredith Alison (Ali) and Bernadette Elizabeth (Bernie), Gemma the cat, his sisters and brothers-in-law, his step sister and brother, his many nieces and nephews, and all his lifelong friends he considers his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Dixon Willis; mother Elizabeth Ann Willis (Stover); sister Janet Gay Trzaska; stepbrother Jeff Manes; father and mother in-law Bill and Joyce Paquette; as well as special Aunts Donna and Norma, and Uncle Jim & JoAnn Willis.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 am Thursday, August 17th at IIes Westover Funeral Home where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow immediately at McDivitt Cemetery in Urbandale.
Should you choose, the family would be pleased to know you contributed in his memory to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc.
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/cjdfoundation_ptp/donate
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Steven Willis, please visit our Tribute Store.