Stephen R. Geiss

Stephen R. Geiss, age 73, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on December 5, 2025, at EveryStep Hospice, Kavanagh House, surrounded by the love of his family.

Stephen was born on October 14, 1952, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the son of J. Richard and Shirley Ann (Berger) Geiss. He grew up in West Deptford, New Jersey, before moving to Lisle, Illinois during his senior year of high school. After graduating in 1970 he attended William Penn University, earning his bachelor's degree in business in 1974. While at William Penn, Stephen was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. It was also during this time that he met Susan Fear. They were united in marriage in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and welcomed their daughters, Stephanie and Shellie.

Stephen's lifelong love of water began in childhood and grew into a passion for boating and sailing. He found joy in spending time on Saylorville Lake and the Chesapeake Bay during visits with family on the East Coast. His outdoor interests also included skeet shooting, woodworking, and any hobby that brought him closer to the water he cherished.

He began his career at Mrs. Clark's Foods, working in both sales and management, before founding his own company, Hawkeye On-Site Vehicle Services. For more than 26 years, he provided fleet maintenance services to local businesses, operating with integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

Stephen was a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Philadelphia Eagles. He treasured returning to William Penn University for homecoming each year to reconnect with his fraternity brothers. Stephen and his family also looked forward to their annual tradition of attending the Iowa State Fair, a tradition filled with memories they will always hold close.

Stephen is survived by his wife: Susan; his mother: Shirley; his daughters: Stephanie (Mike) Cassady and Shellie (Carson) McGhee; his grandchildren: Case, Lauren, Reese, and Cora Cassady, and Marley and Maxi McGhee; his sisters: Holly (David) Wood and Heidi (Walter) Einhorn; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father: J. Richard Geiss; and his sister: Lori Cooper.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. A Funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, Iowa, with a luncheon to follow. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to EveryStep Hospice, Kavanagh House, in gratitude for the outstanding care and compassion they provided to Stephen and his family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com