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Obituary For Robert Oscar Steben
Robert Oscar Steben, 85, passed away on December 7th, 2025, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Robert was born on December 25, 1939, in Butternut, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Berean Assembly of God Church (5299 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill). A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, also at the church. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Robert graduated from Butternut High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17 and served as a Navy Corp man/medic for three years with honorable discharge. Robert worked multiple jobs as a young husband and father to provide for his family. This included his job at Mendoza State Mental Hospital where he met his wife, Dee Ann in 1961-1963. Robert and Dee Ann were married on November 9th, 1962.
Robert began working for AMVETS in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1967. Robert moved his family to Iowa in 1974 and began working as Executive Director for AMVETS in the Federal Building. In 2003, Robert retired from AMVETS and took a position as Executive Officer of Veteran’s Affairs at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. Robert was a strong advocate and supporter of veterans with disabilities. Robert retired from Veteran Affairs in 2022 at the ripe age of 82 and continued to help veterans after his retirement.
Robert and his wife built a home on an acreage in 2001. Robert spent the last 24 years hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved nature and the countryside. Robert enjoyed gardening, taking care of his chickens, and maintaining his land. Spending time outdoors reminded him of where he grew up in rural Butternut, Wisconsin. Robert and his wife were board members at Berean Assembly of God in Pleasant Hill for many years. Robert cherished his family above all and loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. You could always find Bob taking his grandchildren on ATV rides or relaxing on his dock with a fishing pole in hand.
Robert is survived by his wife, Dee Ann Steben; son, Scott Steben; son, Marc Steben (Melissa); daughter, Sarah Nixon; son, Judd (Jennifer Berkes); grandchildren, Zachary (Amy) Steben, Joshua (Jenny) Steben, Ashley (Solomon Colunga) Steben-Colunga, Devin Steben-Anderson, Bethany (Eliezer) Phillips, Dylan Steben, Zoey (Aryeh) Kopp, Alexander Nixon, Britney Nixon, Andrew Nixon, Taylor Nixon, and Evy Steben; and 17 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Arthur William Steben and his mother, Lula Mae (Cravey) Steben; sister, Lorraine Dane, sister, Dorothy Hanish; brother, Marvin Steben; and son-in-law, Douglas Nixon.
Anyone who had the honor of knowing Bob Steben knew he always rooted for the underdog, enjoyed a nice slice of cheesecake, and appreciated a good joke. He will forever be in the hearts of his beloved wife and family.
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I just read of Bob's passing. My heart goes out to the family of Bob and to all who had the honor to know him. May God give you all comfort and peace at this difficult time. As the Pocahontas County Veterans Affairs Director since 1997, I worked with Bob since 2003. He was a kind-hearted soul with love and passion for the veterans of this great nation. He will be greatly missed.
We,re SO sorry that we missed both visitation and service. We just saw it on Joey Bishop's post. We appreciate your kindness to us. Bob was the best! All our love to you.
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Our prayers for your family at this difficult time. Bob was a real prince of a man and will be missed. He was one of a kind, his great humor and passion to assist others unparalleled.
Steve Lukan and family
We have been in Tennessee for 20 years so its been a long since we have seen Bob but we still have wonderful memories of him. He was always fun and kind to everyone. Our boys went on many church camp outs with the Royal Rangers on his farm. What a awesome guy. What a time he's having in heaven. We pray Jesus will surround you and comfort you with His love.
We have known and been friends with Bob and Dee for over 40 years and have had many good times together. We went to visit and pray for him in the hospital and he was always in such good spirits. Bob was a great inspiration to those he came in contact with and a good man of God. We miss him and our prayers go out to the family.
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My condolences to the family, Bob is one of the 'trios' that lead me to this passion of helping Veterans. He was such a nice person to speak/visit with he had a way about him that just put a person at ease. Thank You Bob for everything.
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Dee Ann, My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family. I will always remember Bob, he was one of the first people I met when I first came on staff at Berean Assembly. He had such an infectious laugh and a love for life. He was always crazy and always talking about the funniest things in life. A Great man who lived God and loved life!!
I'm so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a loyal friend to my dad (Patrick Palmersheim) , and our family will always remember the kindness he showed—especially reaching out after Dad passed to offer anything we might need. Bob's dedication to veterans and his unwavering support for those who served spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. Please know you're all in my thoughts during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing and a comfort to you.
Dee, We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know we are praying for you and the family.
I met Bob when he first came to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at Camp Dodge. Bob was the "go to" man for Iowa Veterans who were navigating the sometimes challenging U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system. Bob was passionate about connecting with Veterans and spouses of Veterans who were living in nursing homes - ensuring that they received the benefits and entitlements earned through service to our Nation. He retired for the second time in 2022 - along with Bob Betz, Mari Mielke, and John Halstead. When those four retired more than 100 years of experience left our Department! I enjoyed many conversations with Bob over the years. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. My deepest condolences to the family on this loss. He will certainly be missed.
Grandpa always knew just how to make you feel special and loved! He was quick with his ornery jokes and you could always count on him to have a lemon drop in his pocket just for you! He was an amazing man who I know will be missed by so many!
Bob was a knowledgeable and compassionate professional at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. I was a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee staffer for more than 20 years, and I could count on Bob to help veterans and their families in need of advice, financial assistance, or information on state and federal programs available to them. I often heard back from these constituents who were so grateful for his kindness and guidance. Bob wanted no thanks -- they earned and deserved everything we could offer.
Bob and Dee were always so nice and friendly to me at church. They never hesitated to say hello and ask how I was. He helped my husband, Bob, with obtaining his disability claim for his time in Vietnam. I will always remember him. Dee Shelton
Bob was an incredible person who championed Veterans and stood by the underdogs. He's up there now, sharing all sorts of fish tales. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family. God bless you all.
