Steve Manser

Steve Manser was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 30, 1956 to Lowell (Dwight) Manser and Aileen Marie (Butler) Manser. Raised in Oregon, Illinois, Steve was the oldest of 5 siblings. He had two sisters, Vicki and Shari, and two brothers, Randy and TJ. Steve attended school at Oregon High School where he participated in and excelled at various sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating from high school, he stayed a short time with his close family and dear friends in the Midwest before heading out to California, as a "weekend student" at UCLA, to start the great journey that was his life. California brought Steve many wonderful experiences and opportunities that shaped him into the man that we all knew and loved. Values learned from his father brought him to his California family, while always remaining true to his Midwestern way of life. This long haired, country boy discovered a great treasure while living in California: his best friend and soul mate, Debbie Ann. Shaggy hair and an ill-fitting sweatshirt almost doomed the relationship on their first blind date, but the two found in each other the greatest love of their lives. They ma...[more]

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ed in 1979 and began a lifelong journey that led to the many memories and the infamous Manser family traditions. Steve and Debbie had four children: Jenny, Cathy, Steven, and Nina. A passion for family togetherness and trips to the lake was carried on by Steve and his siblings. Steve spent his vacation time teaching family and friends to water-ski, playing Pitch, and telling stories at his favorite retreats including Apache Lake, Lake Powell, and Clearlake. Steve was a very passionate person in every aspect of his life. "Work hard to party hard" was a motto that he lived by. Automation Plating Corporation is where Steve spent 30 years of his career, beginning as janitor and working his way to President, and now respectfully known as "Mr. Automation." A pioneer in his field, he was valued by industry members across the nation. An equally important side of Steve's life was having fun and enjoying life itself. He was a regular on the Southern California golf courses with his Uncle Dave. Steve dedicated himself to coaching his daughter, Nina's, softball team "Aftershock." Not only did he coach the team, but he and his family also met amazing lifelong friends. Fishing and hunting were also treasured activities. Deer season was considered by Steve to be the perfect reason to visit his favorite place: Lacona, Iowa. Although the family has suffered a great loss, Steve will never be forgotten. His time spent with his wife Debbie, his children, his "partner in crime" Uncle Dave, other family, and friends has left a lasting impression. We all have stories and memories, and we will always be reminded of him with a classic country song on the radio, a win for the Chicago Cubs, or an everyday Manser gathering. No matter how close or how distant, every family member and friend meant the world to Steve.