Graveside inurnment services for Steven Menefee will be held at 11.30 A.M. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, with Pastor Bruce Rapp officiating, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Aurelia, IA. Following the service lunch will be served at “Aunt Betty’s” at 137 Main Street in Aurelia. Steve passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 72, with his daughter, Stephanie Wilson, holding his hand. He was one of a kind, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Steven Charles Menefee was born on March 27, 1950, to his parents Clifford and Darlene (Grienke) Menefee. He graduated from Aurelia High School in 1968, where he set a state record for the 220-yard dash. After high school, Steve attended Drake University, where he earned a degree in Insurance. He spent his entire career in the insurance industry, progressing through corporate ranks for the first half of his career and then opening and running his own agency in Waconia, Minnesota, during the second half. He was known for his dedication and hard work, and he was passionate about his career, taking great pride in serving his clients.
Outside of work, Steve lived a life full of generosity, adventure, and love for his family. He had a passion for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, trap shooting, and skiing. One of the things he loved the most was traveling, but he was never a sucker for tourist traps. He sought out the genuine essence of a place, finding local spots, hidden gems, the most beautiful scenery, and stopping at old western bars along the way. Although he took a few trips by himself, he preferred and truly enjoyed the company of loved ones. From his trips, he would bring back pictures, additions to his collections, and unique items only he would know the significance of, displaying these items in his home and surrounding himself with memories.
Family was everything to Steve, and he always put them first. A few of his most cherished moments included grilling steaks and watching the 4th of July fireworks on Lake Okoboji with his growing immediate family, hunting pheasants and deer, especially with his grandfather, father, brother, and cousins, spending Christmases in Arizona with his parents, skiing in Colorado with his daughter, and the moment he held his precious granddaughter, Lucille, for the first time. He was filled with pure happiness and joy, especially when he realized she inherited his beautiful red hair. Steve was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to be a source of comfort to all who loved him.
Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clifford and Darlene Menefee; brother, Craig Menefee; former wife, Linda Kahn; and stepchild, Elliot Dircz.
Steve is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Nick Wilson; granddaughter, Lucille Wilson; sister-in-law, Joan Menefee; niece and nephew-in-law, Carrie and Erik Lundy; grandnieces, Josie and Megan Lundy; and stepchild, Nicholas Dircz, along with many other loving family members and close friends.