Stevan James “Steve” Morrison passed away far too soon January 24, 2025, after a short, aggressive battle with a rare form of cancer. His final chapter came too quickly, but he was not alone. In the days leading up to his death, he was surrounded by love—family, friends, and many who came simply to be near him, to sit with him, and to say goodbye. He died the day after what would have been his father Earl’s 100th birthday, a milestone shared with Earl’s twin brother, Burl.

Steve was born on June 25, 1952, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Earl and Donna (Griffis) Morrison. He arrived two months premature, setting the tone for a life marked by quiet strength and resilience. From the beginning, he was someone who liked to be first to the party and never quite ready to leave. He graduated from Oskaloosa Senior High School, worked for his father at Morrison Body Shop, and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, on a basketball scholarship. He married his high school sweetheart, Terry (now Terry Money), and together they eventually settled in Davenport, where they raised their two sons, Andy and Alex. Years later, Steve met Judy. It took her a year to say yes to a date, and only a month to fall in love. They married on February 28, 1987, and had one daughter, Alissa.

Even as a kid, he was curious, kind, and always looking out for others... sometimes to the concern of his parents. Steve’s childhood in Oskaloosa was filled with the kind of misadventures that became family favorites, full of skinned knees, close calls, both a missing tooth and missing fingertip, and once a call to the fire department. He had a big heart, a strong sense of justice, and a fearless streak that led him exactly where you’d expect a boy like him to end up: a little banged up, a little wiser, and with a great story to tell.

Steve spent his professional life in the technology field, where he was known for his intelligence and strong leadership. Over the years, he built and led successful companies, mentored rising professionals, and left a lasting impact on countless people. Former employees often said he was the best manager they ever had, not just because he was sharp and strategic, but because he was kind, fair, and deeply invested in the success of others. He was incredibly proud of the work he did, and he brought the same thoughtfulness and drive to his career that he brought to everything else in his life. He fought his illness the same way he approached his work: with quiet determination, deep strength, and an unwavering commitment to showing up.

He was thoughtful and deeply engaged with the world around him, always ready with a sharp observation, a clever joke, or a well-timed story. He had a fantastic sense of humor and a great laugh—the kind that made a room feel lighter. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life itself and his kindness to others. He had big dreams and a bucket list a mile long, and he approached the world with curiosity, optimism, and a generous heart. He was never afraid to take risks, and he pursued the things he loved with boldness and intention.

Steve loved to travel, whether it was a family road trip, a hike in the woods, a visit to Disney where he could feel like a kid again, or one of the many fishing trips he took to Canada, where he found peace on the water. He adored his dogs and rarely missed a long, daily walk with them. He had a constant fascination with gadgets, earning him the nickname “Inspector Dadget.” He enjoyed westerns, nature documentaries, politics, a well-cooked meal, and long conversations about business, ideas, and the things that really mattered. He was an exceptional writer, a deep thinker, and someone who paid attention. Steve lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. Like all of us, his life held both triumphs and trials, and he moved through it with humility, resilience, and unwavering care for the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Donna Morrison, and his brother, Michael.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Alissa; and his sons, Andy (Nichole) and Alex (Rikki). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Cain, Payton, Corbin, Gage, Henry, Owen, and Aidan, as well as great-grandchildren Hayes, Vada, and Vincent, and many friends and extended family who will miss him deeply.

More than anything, Steve loved his family. That love was fierce, full-hearted, and unmistakable. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren, and being a dad and grandpa was at the very core of who he was. He carried his family history with him everywhere he went, with a strong sense of pride in where he came from. Steve was deeply nostalgic and cherished his visits back to Oskaloosa, where he found comfort in the familiar streets and lifelong memories. He especially loved the large Morrison family reunions, surrounded by relatives and stories that stretched across generations. That sense of family and belonging was something he never took for granted.

Putting a man like Steve’s life into a few short paragraphs felt impossible, and because no words could ever measure up to the life he lived or the space he leaves behind, it took his family nearly three months to gather the courage to write this. The truth is, he wasn’t ready to go. He wasn’t done laughing, learning, dreaming, or being with the people he loved. He wasn’t done being a husband, a dad, a grandpa, or a friend. His absence leaves a massive hole. But his goodness, his voice, and his love will echo in all the moments he would have hated to miss.

A private celebration of life will be held in the spring. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who supported Steve with such compassion in his final months. His memory will continue to live on in every laugh, every story, and every quiet moment he would have loved. 

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