Steven Joseph Kolker, 70, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2025 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. Father Tim Pick will celebrate Mass with Father Bruce Lawler and Father Tom Flannagan concelebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Last Gift, Youth for Christ Teen Center of Le Mars or St. Croix Hospice of Siouxland.

Steven, son of Donald and La Eva (Wilberding) Kolker was born March 12, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Sioux City through 2nd grade, then after moving to Le Mars attended Gehlen Catholic School through the 8th grade. He graduated in 1973 from Le Mars Community High School. Upon graduation he was employed by Plymouth Electric Cooperative (later becoming North West REC) for 41 years; 11 years as a lineman and 30 years as the Marketing and Member Service Director. He retired in March of 2015.

On April 15, 1978, Steve married Janet Van Waart at the First United Methodist Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, three grandsons and three granddaughters. He was a devoted husband, cherished father, proud grandfather and a friend to everyone he met. Steve and his wife celebrated life with travel to nearly all 50 states. They were in several card clubs including pinochle and bridge. They cherished hours with their children and grandchildren hosting many "Cousins Camps" in the summer months with fun and games. Steve was an avid trout fisherman and enjoyed many trips to Eastern Iowa where he made lasting friendships. He loved to golf and was on a league for many years at Willow Creek.

Steve was extremely philanthropic and served his community by seeking to promote a better life for the welfare of others. He was founder of the Christian Needs Center, a food and clothing pantry for 35 years. Upon closing the Needs Center in 2023, he created an organization called "The Last Gift"; a foundation that seeks out unmarked graves and provides the funds for markers to honor those resting in peace. Other activities include volunteering at the Youth for Christ Teen Center where he dearly loved all the teenagers he served. He actively sang in two church choirs---All Saints Catholic Church and St. John's Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Le Mars Jaycees in the 1970's and 80's and was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. For 40 years Steve played the role of Santa Claus at the Westmar Festival of Trees, Pioneer Village, KC breakfasts and countless homes during the holiday season. In January, he was named the Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janet, of 47 years, his two sons, Michael and special friend, Erin Bunker, David and wife, Rachel, 3 grandsons, Jake, Max and Henry Kolker and three granddaughters, Nora Walz, Eloise and Amelia Kolker.

Steve is survived by two sisters, and their husbands, Linda and David Flakne of Naples Florida, Denise and Rob Olson of Monument, Colorado, a sister-in law Nancy Wiese and her husband Larry of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, 2 uncles, Kenneth and wife, Diann Kolker of Le Mars, Lloyd Kolker of Sioux City and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Don and La Eva (Babe) Kolker, his mother and father-in-law, Bette and Hank Van Waart and his stepmother, Dorie Feller Kolker.