Stephen J. Harkin Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Stephen J. Harkin

Stephen J. Harkin, 81, passed away at his home in Winterville, North Carolina on Monday, June 22, 2026.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2026, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E 1st St, Ankeny). Family will greet visitors an hour prior to mass with a luncheon following service. Burial will be held at Ankeny Memorial Gardens following the luncheon. Services will be livestreamed at https://www.olih.org/news/current-livestream

Stephen was born on May 21, 1945, in Des Moines, IA, to John and Mary Jane Harkin. He was raised in Ankeny, Iowa and graduated from Ankeny High School Class of 1963. He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a business degree.

Stephen served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Stephen’s 40-year career with Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. took him to Kewanee, Illinois, Danville, Illinois, and later to Greenville, North Carolina. On December 20, 1969, he married the love of his life, Jeanette Schaumann in Chicago, Illinois.

Stephen was an avid golfer, enjoyed watching the University of Illinois sports teams, and cheered for the Chicago Bears. He had an infectious laugh that made others laugh right along with him. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Greenville, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanette “Jean” Harkin; special fur baby, Lola; brothers, David Harkin (Pamela) of Bettendorf, and Jim Harkin (Lynn) of Ankeny; sisters, Anne Harkin (John) of Pleasant Hill, and Beth Kain (Jim) of Ankeny; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Mary Jane Harkin; his in-laws, Bill and Harriette Schaumann; and his brother-in-law, Bill Schaumann.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice in Steve’s memory. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home for forwarding: The Family of Stephen Harkin, c/o Memorial Services of Ankeny, 4208 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023.

Send flowers to the service of Stephen J. Harkin