Stephen Charles Vinson, 79, of Boone, Iowa, passed away from complications due to progressive supranuclear palsy on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at Stratford Specialty Care in Stratford, Iowa.

Steve was born on January 29, 1941 in Gaylord, Minnesota, to Lester and Martha (Quast) Vinson. The family moved to Stratford, Iowa, when Steve was 8 years old. He attended Stratford Community School and graduated in 1959. On May 23, 1963, Steve enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and served for six years while also working his civilian job as a barber at Arlo's Barber Shop. On November 13, 1965, he married Sylvia Dianne Truman. They resided in Granger, Iowa, until the summer of 1980 when they moved into their house that Steve and a friend built in Boone. Steve re-enlisted in the Iowa National Guard on May 19, 1973, and worked there full-time until his retirement on January 29, 2001.

Steve was a strong athlete in high school and excelled in baseball and basketball. He was a life-long sports fan and was a big Cubs fan. He enjoyed attending sporting events at Iowa State and Drake University. Steve enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities and spending time with family and friends. He had a good sense of humor and a hearty laugh. He enjoyed working on puzzles and was always excited to display them when he was done. Steve had a great time playing board games and cards at gatherings with family and friends. He was very competitive when playing cards and was ruthless when playing Hearts. Several of his hobbies included hunting, fishing, and Morel mushroom hunting. He enjoyed hunting both pheasants and quail. When it came to fishing, it didn't matter the time of year or location, he was always ready to go. He enjoyed ice fishing, trips to fish in Canada, and even just an afternoon fishing at the river. Steve went on many fishing trips to Canada with friends and family where they made a lot of fun memories. Steve had a major sweet tooth; he loved desserts and ice cream, especially butterscotch or caramel malts. He also enjoyed shingling roofs and doing handyman projects on the side.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sylvia Dianne, in 1984; and his brother, Joe Vinson. He is survived by his son, Michael (Kristin) Vinson of Roland; two grandchildren, Dana and Braden Vinson; sister, Susanne (Trevor) Carlson of Stratford; sister-in-law, Phyllis Vinson of Marshalltown; brother-in-law, William "Bud" Truman (Kristie) of Ames, sister-in-law Connie Bergman (Alan) of Ames, many nieces and nephews, and other extended family and friends.

A memorial service followed by a luncheon and fellowship will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Stratford Lutheran Church in Stratford, Iowa. Burial will be immediately following the service at South Marion Cemetery outside of Stratford.

A special thank you to the staff at The Waterford Assisted Living in Ames, Stratford Specialty Care, and Specialty Care Hospice for their care and support.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com