"To my Dear Friends; Charlene, Maurice, Sandee, George, Brandon, Brittany and Brody: Today I learned of Steve's passing away and I am reflecting on all that he meant to so many people. Please find some solace in knowing that anyone who knew Steve, knew him to be that very special person he truly was, and still is, in our minds and spirits. Steve's sense of humor and honest appreciation of what a family is was the product of all of you - the loving family that nurtured, raised, cared for and loved him. He was always surrounded and supported by the family that he has now left behind. Steve was an inspiration to anyone who thought they were having a bad day. He had the ability to smile, when it was tough and to make those around him feel better by just being with him. In this time of giving thanks, I give thanks for all the lessons that Steve Elsbecker taught me. Lessons like moving forward through the adversities we each meet in life and the lesson of appreciating and giving thanks for the gifts we all already have, like our families and friends, instead of wanting for things we do not have. This Thanksgiving we should all remember Steve and give thanks of joy, not sorrow, as we reminisce about the happiness that Steve Elsbecker brought to each and every person who crossed his path. Karen and I will pray for you all and we share in your joy of having known Steve. Love, The Moreau's"
In loving memory of
Steve Elsbecker
November 14, 2008
Steven T. Elsbecker was born October 4, 1964 in Estherville, Iowa, son of Maurice and Charlene (Goche) Elsbecker. He attended St. John's Catholic School proudly graduating from there in 1984. He then attended Iowa Lakes Community College.
Steve worked with his dad on the family farm raising livestock. He had a great passion for horses and his cow-calf herd. Prior to his accident he also worked at Welp's Hatchery and Standard Feed. Steve was a life long member of St. John's Catholic Church and was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
In February, 1999, Steve was paralyzed as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Since that time, he loved attending family, sporting, and community events with the use of his wheelchair. His enduring desire was to cheer on his Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Iowa Hawkeyes, St, John's Johnnies, and the Algona Bulldogs. Steve was the # 1 fan to his niece and nephews, Brandon, Brittany, and Brody. He loved to visit with his family and friends who he shared many special times with.
Steve Elsbecker died peacefully Friday, November 14, 2008 surrounded by his family. He was 44.
He is survived by his parents Maurice and Charlene of Bancroft; a sister, Sandee Vaske and her husband George of Burt; two nephews and a niece, Brandon Vaske, a college student at Miami, OK, and Brittany and Brody Vaske at home in Burt. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Mary Helen and Joe Kramer, Jim and Carol Goche, Jan and DeWayne Hatten, and Tom and Judy Goche all of Bancroft, Dick and Norene Elsbecker of Algona, Gene and Ruth Elsbecker and Phil and Geraldine Elsbecker of Bancroft, Betty Jergens of Oregon, IL, and Mary Hayden of York, NE; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; a cousin, John Kramer; and Paul Elsbecker
Steve's aunts, uncles, and cousins were very special to him. They were by his side during many of his challenging battles. He will be remembered for his dedication to his faith, family and country
Tributes
"Charlene, Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about Steve. He was a great man that I enjoyed visiting with every time he came into the dental office. I will never forget the sports talks we had. I know he is in heaven watching over all of us. I will miss him. "
"Although I did not personally know Steve, I extend to you my sincere sympathy. May the words found in God's word the Bible be of strength and comfort to you as you are going through this most difficult time. Isaiah 25:8; John 5:28,29;Revelations 21:4,5. With sympathy, D.R. Miller (neeshone1@yahoo.com) "
"Maurice, my heart goes out to you but you know that Steve has won the battle and will now rest in peace. That is what we live for, eternal life. You are remembered in my prayers and we will talk when I see you at the office."
"Maurice, Charlene, Sandee and family, You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Steve, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"To all of the family, We are sorry to here of the loss of Steve. Our thoughts and prayers go with you during this hard time. We will keep you in our prayers. "
" CHARLENE, MAURICE ,SANDY ,GEORGE AND KIDS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES TO ALL OF YOU! STEVE WAS A GREAT GUY ,BUT WE DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT. WE SEND OUR PRAYERS YOUR WAY AND OUR THOUGHTS WILL BE WITH YOU. GOD BE WITH YOU AND JUST KNOW YOU HAVE AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN WATCHING OVER YOU! JEFF, DONNA & KELSEY RAHE"
"I will always remember the time we gave Steve a book for Christmas, I believe it was about Joe Namath because we thought that was Steve's idol. It could've been Terry Bradshaw, I'm not sure but he soon let us know that he hated the guy whoever it was. We always shared a lot of great times with Steve and his family. Many happy memories!!!!!"
"Dear Charlene, Maurice and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sheila Ludwig"
"My deepest sympathy to you all. The stories I heard of Steve while we were together makes me know Steve was a very wonderful person with a very supportive family. May your faith and family togetherness carry you all through this time of loss. You will all have a very special place in my heart. God Bless! Lanee Duckert"
"Maurice and Charlene, My sympathy at Steve's passing. May God give him rest. and may the Lord bless all your family. Gene Ulses"
"Dear Sandee and family, My deepest sympathy to you all during this time of loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. God bless you all. "
"Sandee and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother, Steve. Sandee, you spoke of him with great love, I learned a great deal hearing his story. God bless you and your family, and please know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Carol Dupic"
"To steves family you have my sympathy and my prayers. I got to take care of Steve while he was in the Algona hospital and he made my day when I got to. He was a very nice and kind guy."
"The Family of Steve- I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Steve. Remember all the good times and let that help you get thru the bad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bobbi"
"To Steve's family, You have my deepest sympathy. Steve was always a classmate with a smile for you. I will always remember him for the nice guy he was. I am sorry I did not do more for him or you since his accident. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am unable to attend the wake or the funeral, but I will be thinking & praying for you & Steve. With deepest sympathy, Mike & Jennifer (Jergenson) Altman & Family "
"I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Steve. I always remember him as a kind person who never passed judgment on anyone. May the Lord wrap His arms around you during this difficult time. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Carolyn Leners"
"I was so sorry and shocked to hear about Steve's passing. I took care of Steve in his home when I worked for a home health service, and he was always such a pleasant man for what he had to go through. I am certain he will be missed by all and God bless each and every one of you. "
"Charlene, Maurice, Sandee, George, Brandon, Brittany and Brody!!! I have so many fond memories with Steve!!! He was a wonderful friend and classmate. You have my deepest sympathy!!! Love and Prayers, Lisa"
"To Steve's family - Wanting you to know of our love, sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that we care and wish we could be there to tell you so in person. Our card & memorial gift will arrive in a few days via mail, but our hearts and thoughts are there with you right now. May your faith sustain you as you go on from this point, knowing that you have been wonderful, faithful family members in caring for Steve and his needs, especially these past years. Loving sent from The Olsons in Sioux Falls, SD"
"Charlene and Maurice, Thinking of you at this very sad time. Know Steve is among friends. Will visit soon. "