Stephen Francis Wright

Kingsley, Iowa: Stephen (Steve) Francis Wright, 72, of Kingsley, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at his home following a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. Steve was born to Melvin and Florence (Keller) Wright in Sioux City, Iowa on July 15, 1941. He attended school in Cushing, Pierson, and Kingsley, graduating with the class of 1959. Steve entered the Naval Reserve in 1958, was ordered to active duty in the navy on October 3, 1961 and was honorably discharged on October 2, 1964. He trained in electronics while in the service. He would often tell of sleeping on the wing of an airplane while onboard ship during off duty hours because he needed to be ready to do maintenance on Navy planes. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Iowa and attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls and then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a business degree. He went to work for the telephone company, GTE in 1973 and retired in 1993. He spent several years traveling around the United States installing computer wiring for Walmart and Ford Motor Company. In 1999 he moved to Pierson, IA to be with his father. During this time, he reunited with former classmate, Maureen Wilson and they shared a life together enjoying family, friends and new adventures. They were married in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on October 12, 2013.Before Steve fully retired, he worked as a transport driver for" Prince of the Road" in Iowa and Nebraska. He spent countless hours transporting troubled youth to counseling sessions or to youth facilities. He was more of a mentor to them rather than just their transport driver and he was ever patient with them because he was aware of the difficulties and struggles they were facing.Steve was welcomed into Maureen's family who he loved and they loved him in return. He was always encouraging and supportive of them. Always wanting the best for them. He was always patient and kind in his words and actions. His greatest delight was in taking grandchildren river walking to find artifacts, or taking them fishing, miniature golfing, trying to beat them around the racetrack at Arnolds Park or just having them visit he and Maureen at home. He loved history and readily shared his knowledge with friends and family. Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially with his fishing buddy Billy. He and Maureen loved to travel, especially in the southwestern states. They traveled to Italy with his stepson, Les and his wife, Raffaella, in 2012. It was the trip of a lifetime for Steve. Steve and Maureen loved spending their summers at Lake Okoboji, where family and friends would gather.Steve was a member of the Elks, Eagles Club and a proud member of the American Legion, Nash Post 140 in Kingsley.Wherever Steve would go, he was instantly liked because of his friendly, easy manner. He was glad to be back in Kingsley and rekindled many old friendships, but he was always looking forward to the next trip that he and Maureen would take.Steve is survived by his wife, Maureen, his son Mark (Rani) Wright, daughter, Kerry (Dave) Scott and daughter, Kennedy; Maureen's children, Brian (Jen) Wilson and their children, Brooke, Blake, Bret and Jenna, Dawn Wilson and her sons, Jeffery and Jesse; Bill (Anita) Wilson and their children, Josie and Garrett; Mark (Rebecca) Wilson and their children, Reed, Liam, Clark, and Gianna; stepsons, Les (Rafaella) Nott and their son, Eric and Steve Nott; stepdaughter, Pam (Jeff) Alger and their children, Tanner and Chloe; brother, Larry Wright, five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Camp Boji family and many friends.Steve was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Leif Nott.