Obituaries : Steven Wright

Steven Wright, 77, passed away at his home surrounded by family on April 26, 2025.

A Celebration of Steven's Life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Cambridge City Center, 225 S. Water Street, Cambridge, Iowa, with military honors rendered at 3 p.m. by the United States Army.

Steven Craig Wright was born June 9, 1947, in Vinton, Iowa, to Robert and Goldie (Alpers) Wright. He grew up in Van Horne, Iowa, and graduated from Van Horne High School in the class of 1965. Steve continued his education at Waldorf College and Grand View College.

During those years, he met his future wife, Joyce Birkestrand. In 1967, Steve enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served on active duty during the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged after two years of service.

After returning home, Steve and Joyce were united in marriage on August 22, 1970. The couple moved to the Shipley/Nevada farm where their three children were born and raised. Steve's farming career began at this time with his father- in-law, David Birkestrand of Cambridge, Iowa. He did custom farming and rented other farms in the surrounding area. Steve eventually formed a long, lasting farming partnership with his son, Michael. Steve had the experience and Michael brought a modern perspective to the operation. For example, they took frequent road trips together to purchase machinery; Mike was driving using GPS for navigation and Steve was sitting in the passenger seat navigating with his paper road map. They were best friends.

Steve was an avid sports enthusiast and family man. He volunteered as a coach for his children's sports teams which led to a high school boys' basketball coaching position in the Nevada Schools. His coaching and parenting philosophy were "Be the Best You Can Be!" which is how he lived his life. Steve was a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many others. He will be missed.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce, of Cambridge; children, Rendee (Kyle) Clark of Ames, Michael (Kristen) Wright of Nevada, and Sarah (Brent) Smith of Johnston; grandchildren, Connor Hines, Kyler Clark, Alivia Smith, Gracee Smith, and Ellee Smith; two sisters, Judy Burke of Vinton, Iowa, and Kathy Potter of Ankeny, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Goldie Wright; stepfather, Donald Shaffer.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family as a specific organization has not been determined.