Steven Espe

Steven L. Espe was born in Mason City, IA on August 26, 1944, to Lawrence and Lois Espe. He passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Steve grew up on a farm near Kanawha, IA, along with his brothers Roger and Mitch. He was active in baseball, basketball, golf, and bowling. Like his brother, he liked music, played clarinet in the school band, and loved to play guitar. He graduated from Kahawha High School in 1962. He attended Iowa State University from 1962 to 1967, and graduated with a business degree. Steve met his wife, Gail, at Iowa State University during his senior year. He was also involved in ROTC while attending ISU. Since his time there, he has been a devoted ISU fan. After graduation, Steve was drafted into the US Army, and served from June 1968, through September 1970. He was a radio operator with top secret clearance, and was stationed at the Army base in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Steve started work as a computer programmer for Allied Insurance, where he worked for 36 years. He married his college sweetheart, Gail Kroll, on April 3, 1971. They moved to Urbandale, IA, in December of 1972. Steve and Gail were blessed with four children; Shawn (1973), Tony (1976), Katie, (1978), and Ryan (1979). Steve retired in 2006, and continued his enjoyment of golf at the Urbandale Golf and Country Club where he was a member for many years. In his retirement years, he was able to fulfill one of his purposes in life when he became a grandfather of six wonderful grandchildren. Steve had a funny, witty, yet dry sense of humor and a wonderful laugh that was very contagious. He was an amazing father to his children, who loved and respected him more each day. Steve is survived by his wife, Gail Espe, brother Roger Espe, children Shawn Espe (Carrie), Tony Espe (Erica), Katie Tatro (Chris), Ryan Espe, grandchildren Ellie and Carter Espe, Steven and Emma Espe, and Reese and Scarlett Tatro, stepmother, Alice Espe (Rodriguez), stepbrothers Jim Rodriguez and John Rodriguez, and stepsister Judie Thompson (Rodriguez). He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Lois Espe, and his brother Mitch Espe. Visitation will be at Creekside Church, 2743 82nd Place, Urbandale, IA, on Thursday April 15, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation. Visitation attendees are requested to wear masks.