Steven Fitzwater

Steven Lee Fitzwater, 57, of Dubois, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, left us Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family after a valiant year-long battle with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.

He was born March 18, 1953, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., to Billie Bruce Fitzwater and Chlorina N. Monk Fitzwater, the first of five children. He graduated from Villisca High School in Villisca, Iowa, in 1972.

He received a bachelor's degree in range management from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

While attending school, he met not only his best friend but the love of his life, MaryAnn Cooper. They were married Aug. 20, 1976, in Wellsville, Utah, and welcomed five children to this marriage. After college, Steve began his career with the USDA/Farm Service Agency in Utah and later moved to Idaho, where he retired due to his illness in September 2009 as the county executive director for Clark and Jefferson counties after 27 years of service.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and camping. He made it a point to make sure these activities were a part of all of his children's lives. He was also a very unique storyteller and writer who loved to see the reactions his stories created. From his love of trapping, he served as president of the National Trappers Association from 2004 until 2006. He also served as the NTA director for the Upper Snake River Trappers Association, the Northwest regional director and the vice president of the NTA.

Although Steve loved being outdoors, the light of his life was his three grandchildren, whom he gave each their own special nickname. He always looked forward to the visits and phone calls from the grandkids.

Steve is survived by his wife of 37 years, MaryAnn Fitzwater of Dubois; children, Sarah Ann (Bruce) Bovey of Riggins, Rebeca Lee (Jarid) Heiken of Idaho Falls, Rachel Marie (Timothy) Dart of Myton, Utah, Loni Beth Fitzwater (T.J. Williams) of Logan, Utah, and Jonathan William Henry "J.W." Fitzwater of Dubois; three grandchildren, Sierra "Sis," Cordell "Bubba" and Konnor "Ophis"; parents, Bill and Chlorina Fitzwater of Villisca, Iowa; siblings, Joe (Terrie) Fitzwater, Scott "Skip" (Mary) Fitzwater, Bruce Fitzwater and Peggy (Nathan) Vermillion; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and great friends.

Steve was always a straight shooter with a quick wit and was never afraid to express his own opinions. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the Dubois LDS church, 471 E. Second South in Dubois, with Bishop Shane Jacobson of the Beaver Creek Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from noon to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church.