/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/2383/534849/UMuzPl8wXkTJzciQSteveNursePhoto.jpg)
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
Send flowers to the service of Stephen Paul Nurse
Services
Rosary
Visitation
Mass of Christian Burial
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceOur 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
