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Obituary For Stephen Paul Nurse
Stephen “Steve” Paul Nurse, 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2026, in Carroll, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (501 E. 1st St., Ankeny) with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, also at the church. Burial will follow the service at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Mass will be livestreamed at the following link: www.olih.org
Steve was born on July 28, 1963, in Carroll, Iowa, to Maury and Marcella Nurse. He grew up in Carroll and attended Kuemper Catholic Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Following high school, he attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a degree in Recreation Administration, with a minor in Business.
During a summer break from college, Steve met Lori Mueggenberg while he was working as a lifeguard at the Breda swimming pool. They were married on August 12, 1988, in Breda, beginning a lifelong partnership together.
After graduating, Steve and Lori made their home in Council Bluffs for several years working at Eby’s Sporting Goods before returning to the Cedar Falls area. Steve dedicated 26 years to the University of Northern Iowa, serving as Athletic Equipment Manager. His love of sports was evident in his work, and he found great joy in helping athletes succeed. That passion reflected his natural ability to connect with others; he had a lifelong gift for making new friends and taking a genuine interest in their lives. Steve and family were avid NBA fans, most recently of the Philadelphia 76ers. They attended many games in person across the country and rarely missed broadcasts.
While living in Cedar Falls, Steve and Lori welcomed their two children, Rachel and Andrew. Steve adored his children and treasured time spent with them, whether bicycling together or cheering them on in their many activities. He loved being dad and took pride in every moment of their lives.
In 2020, Steve and Lori moved to Ankeny, Iowa. There, Steve became deeply involved in Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church. He generously shared his time through Stephen Ministry, the church choir, the Knights of Columbus, and volunteer work at the local food pantry. He also participated in the Christian Experience Weekend men’s retreat, strengthening his faith and community connections.
Steve was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was highly skilled in repairing and stringing baseball and softball gloves, a craft he took great pride in and generously shared with others. In recent years, Steve found joy in creating rosaries, a meaningful practice that became an expression of his faith and generosity. Steve’s love of nature was evident at an early age as he spent many hours fishing and exploring at the creek near his home. He and his wife, Lori, loved spending time outdoors, camping, traveling, and enjoying nature together. Among Steve’s favorite family trips were journeys to Medjugorje, Thailand, and Spain.
Above all, Steve will be remembered for his warm personality, quick wit, and joyful spirit. He loved to tell jokes and had a remarkable ability to make others smile. His family and friends admired his cheerfulness, kindness, and the genuine connections he built with everyone he met. His siblings describe him as an amazing and caring brother.
Steve’s legacy of love, friendship, faith, and laughter will live on in all who knew him.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Lori; children, Rachel (Nicholas) Janning and Andrew Nurse; siblings, Jim Nurse, Dan (Ann) Nurse, Sue Morrissey, Tom Nurse, Ken (Lori) Nurse, Shelley Nurse, and Nick (Roberta) Nurse; mother-in-law, Arlene Mueggenberg; in-laws, Bonnie (Paul) Heuton, Dan Mueggenberg, Larry (Lisa) Mueggenberg, and Marcy (Brad) Brightwell; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Maury and Marcella; sister, Maureen Weiss; grandparents, Maurice and Clara Nurse, and John and Anna Shoemaker; father-in-law, Dale Mueggenberg; sister-in-law, Becky Mueggenberg, and brother-in-law, Billy Mueggenberg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ankeny Food Bank at the following link: https://www.impactcap.org/donatenow
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Matthew Fitzsimmons sent Beautiful Dreams for Stephen Paul Nurse - May 04, 2026
Todd Kanne sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Stephen Paul Nurse - May 04, 2026
Nicholas Ungs sent Pink Tribute Spray for Stephen Paul Nurse - May 03, 2026
ken nurse sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Stephen Paul Nurse - May 03, 2026
Randy & Wendy Gehling Family and Russ & Emily Gehling Famil planted 7 trees in memory of Stephen Paul Nurse . - May 02, 2026
So sorry for you loss. I loved working for Steve when I was Football manager at UNI. He was always a calm and caring person know matter the situation.
My most sincere condolences to the entire family. Steve was an amazing person to me and I really enjoyed everyday being around him when he lived in Council Bluffs. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mike Phillips
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to all of you in this difficult time. RIP Steve and Go Sixers.
So sad to hear of Steve's sudden passing. Our hearts go out to you, Lori, as well as to the rest of the family and the community with whom he was so engaged.
My most sincere condolences to all the family. Steve was an amazing person & he will beg deeply missed. Warmly, Mal & Rosie Foley
Lori and family....... I was so sad to hear about Steve - and have such good memories of him here in Cedar Falls - both at UNI and at St Pat's. What a gracious, tender, compassionate person. I know you all will miss him terribly - relish the many wonderful memories you have and you'll hold him in your heart to sustain yourself at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Doreen Hayek
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Steve, Was such an amazing friend and colleague while I was an Athletic Training Professor at UNI. I enjoyed our frequent visiting in his office in the UNI Equipement room. Steve was such a kind and gentle soul. He was loved by all, because he loved everyone. He lived his faith in this way also. Heavenly Father please bless his family with comfort and peace during this most difficult time. "Families are Forever because of Christ Jesus" Until we meet again may dear friend Steve... Peter
I casually knew Steve and his wife Lori through my friendship with his brother Nick when we all broke bread at our favorite pizza place in Chicago. Aside from our chats about sports, our conversations centered upon Steve's commitment to his church, the Ankeny Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity. Steve exemplified the definition of community service through his compassionate commitment to others by fostering the importance of fellowship, social responsibility, and mutual support. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nurse family.
Art Safer, Chicago
I'm so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Steve. My prayers are with his family for God's strength and comfort. I worked with Steve in the Athletic Department for many years. He always had a smile and hello. When I was teaching football classes for women, he would always supply me with pads and a helmet and a jersey. Before he and Lori moved from Cedar Falls, he stopped by my store and had me order several Christian bracelets he would give out. We know he's with Jesus but it's hard to be left behind. He will be missed by many.
Our hearts ache for Steve's family. He was such a friendly and wonderful person. We worked in the same building at UNI and he always had time to chat. We cherish his friendship and send prayers that God will provide peace and comfort for his family. He was a blessing to so many.
Steve was a gifted staff member working with our players during our time coaching basketball at UNI. His personality and dedication to the players was a positive force multiplier to our team efforts. Steve's dedication to his work was a lesson for all of us.We all benefited from his example. God certainly blessed Steve,his family, and all of us who knew him. Honnie, I sent a memory I sent a memory that says you click below to add your message and it shows each thing What's a candle this thing don't know what you're talking about. Let how a candle or spiritual message. Click below to add your message. Are these sink candles? Well which one the purple one
