George Henry Steenhusen was born on November 8, 1933 to John H. and Alma (Rostermund) Steenhusen at Manning, Iowa. George was baptized and a member of the Irwin Church of Christ. He graduated from Irwin High School with the Class of 1951 and then attended Commercial Extension in Omaha, earning the level of Junior Accountant. After completing school, he returned to Irwin to work with his father at Steenhusen John Deere Implement.
George was drafted into the United States Army and served his country from 1955 to 1957. Following his time in the Army he returned to Irwin again to work at the family business. He spent 27 years working for Jacobs Corporation in Harlan while also farming on the family farm for 10 years.
George married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Wiley on June 23, 1957 and they enjoyed 62 years together. They were blessed with two children, Shelli and Scott. George loved his family most of all, being a great provider, teacher, and helper. He always loved reunions and gatherings with extended family as well. He enjoyed researching family history and spent time helping other relatives gather information for their genealogy books and records.
George was gifted in music and blessed people through the years with both his singing and piano playing. He was also a member of the church's "Mens Quartet." George was active in his church serving in various ways including the roles of Treasurer for more than 45 years, and also an Elder.
He loved his community and the people there, cheering people with his special wit, and sharing produce from his fruit trees and gardens through the years. George was very talented mechanically, and there were few problems or tasks presented that he could not solve practically and quickly.
George died Monday June 24, 2019 at Elm Crest in Harlan, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 16 days. George is survived by his wife Pat of Irwin; daughter Shelli (Shawn) of Windsor Heights, IA; son Scott Steenhusen of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Heather Thompson of Altoona, IA; Chase Sprague of Windsor Heights, IA; great grandchildren Ashlynd Thompson, Dakota Thompson, and Payton Huss; sisters-in-law Mary Jane Steenhusen of Irwin and Marilyn Joul of Oxford, MI, brother-in-law Jim Petersen of Heron Lake, MN; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
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