Obituary

Stephen A. Metcalf
August 29, 1948 - August 19, 2020

Stephen A. Metcalf

Stephen A. Metcalf
Aug 29, 1948 - Aug 19, 2020

Stephen A. Metcalf
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Stephen's life video click link https://vimeo.com/450269323

Stephen Metcalf, 71, of Ames, IA, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2020 with his family by his side after an amazing fight against Parkinson's. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa. All attendees are required to wear face masks. Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mary Greeley Hospice, Ames, IA in Steve's name.

Steve was born August 29, 1948 to Orlando and Veronica (Seemiller) Metcalf in Chicago, he grew up in Moline, Illinois. During the Vietnam War, he served in the United States Navy. After his discharge, he received an associates degree from Black Hawk College in Moline. While there he met the love of his life Jane (Bennett). Shortly after their marriage they moved to Champaign, IL where Steve received his Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois.

After college, his creative talents led him to a career in advertising where he was a broadcast producer and account executive. The final chapter of his career was with Iowa State University Extension where he was the creative services manager. He retired in 2016.

Steve's passion was creating artwork. Over the years he created hundreds of paintings, which are in corporate and private collections. He believed "In the simplest terms, my paintings are about the process of painting." He loved music, in particular Jackson Browne and Lou Reed, amongst countless other artists. He stayed active by playing disc golf and hiking the mountains of Colorado. Steve and Jane have two sons who both share their parents' artistic side and graduated from Iowa State University. Steve and his boys are die-hard Illini and Cyclone fans.

Left to cherish Steve's memory are his wife Jane; sons Jackson and his wife Jenny of Wheaton, IL; and Drew and his fiancé Phyl of Ames, IA; his siblings Orlando "Lanny" Metcalf of NC; Mitzi and husband Chris Cole of IL; and Billy and wife Delia of British Columbia; and his beloved cat Zoey.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Orlando and Veronica, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Dorthy Bennett, and sister-in-law Cyndy.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Kathleen and Bob on Aug 23, 2020

“When my life is over...the sisters of the sun are going to rock me on the water.” Rock on, Steve—surrounded by love, you fought a good fight. We miss you so much! Jane, Drew and Jackson—our heartfelt condolences for losing a most wonderful, gifted, And supremely imaginative husband and father. Many fond memories of sitting by our fireplace and figuring out what the world needs. Steve helped me so much with his artistic ideas and guidance. There was no one like him. God bless the family in this time of utter grief and sorrow. May Steve’s spirit shine through us all!

Phil Spike on Aug 22, 2020

We enjoyed playing disc golf with Steve. We were sorry when he was no longer able to join us at Stable Run because of his deteriorating health. Steve liked to tell his story about his Ace on basket number 13. We will all miss him.

Janelle McClain on Aug 22, 2020

Oh man....this is hard to comprehend....as are the myriad of memories flooding my head. Steve and art are synonymous. I don't know the year we met but I still recall the beautiful paintings presented to me by the rep Steve had at the time. Back in the early 80's, we were still a gallery heavy into wildlife but as I saw these works stretched out on the floor, they spoke to me and the transition began for our us. I swallowed hard and bought several....and they sold the next week! It was the beginning of a wonderful business and personal relationship that I regret I haven't been able to follow up on after selling the gallery in 2007. But I have continued to sing Stephen's praises as I matchmake his work with my clients. His eye for color, balance and beauty have given so many in world a sample of serenity....needed then and oh so needed now. Cheers Stephen! and hugs to Jane and your wonderful family.

Molly Helmers on Aug 21, 2020

I saw Steve’s obituary in the paper. I’m so sorry for your loss, Jane. I will miss our morning chats this year. Those walks to and from the elementary school are now precious memories.

Louannjo Ratashak on Aug 21, 2020

My dear,dear friend. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
((((((((HUGS FROM ACROSS THE MILES TO YOU)))))))

Alicia Schwab on Aug 21, 2020

Jane, Jackson and Drew I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I visited Jane and Steve back in 2018 and really enjoyed talking about art with the both of them. I am so glad you were all able to be with him at the end. Sending you hugs and well wishes from Minnesota. -Alicia, Lothar and Isabel Schwab

Dale G. Haake on Aug 21, 2020

Jane, Jackson and Drew (and Jenny and Phyl), you guys know from the moment we met in that snowstorm in January 1979 in Champaign that Steve became one of absolute dearest friends. After a tough day in law school I was always at home and Steve was always ready when I came down those stairs on Healey Street with a delicious fresh-brewed pot of coffee. We silk-screened Mid-August Classic t-shirts until midnight before many years of disc golf tournaments. We shared many a glass of beer or wine or bourbon or scotch together. We shared many a Christmas Eve at Jack and Dorothy’s singing and later here. Our 2 older children (Alexandra and Elena) were close in age to Jackson and Drew. While I had a 20 year head start in frisbee (and later) disc golf, I was thrilled you took up the game and only distance prevented us from playing more rounds together. You turned me on to the delights of Jackson Browne and your artwork adorns my office in Moline, our living room wall, and my third floor remote office now. We talked art and politics and culture. You and Jane welcomed Conchita to this country when she spoke not a word of English. We visited you at your homes in Rock Island, Milwaukee, East Moline, Cedar Rapids, and Ames. In Milwaukee I wondered why you had such strange toothpaste until I saw it was Jackson’s butt cream. We laughed and laughed. Your sense of humor was gentle and perceptive. Your elegance as a man was and is unmatched by any man I have ever known. My tears make autocorrect a benefit as I try and write this. Jackson still calls me Uncle Dale (but not too loudly anymore). Drew’s grin as he relates his adventures in Ames is straight from you and Jane. We will miss you immeasurably and already there is a deep hole in my life knowing I will only see you in heaven. But your mark in my life is as indelible as your artwork and your laugh. We love you so so much. Dale Haake and Conchita Lucas-Murillo.

Deborah Doehler on Aug 20, 2020

Jane, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a tremendously talented artist. I am thinking of you and your family and sending healing energy to surround you.

Deb Doehler

Mary Durr Gold on Aug 20, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, Jane. I knew he had gone into hospice and I hope his last hours were comfortable. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your sons. And I hope your happy memories will sustain you during this very difficult time. All my best, Mary Durr Gold

Barbara Robertson Domino on Aug 20, 2020

Such a great guy - one of the nicest ever in the art school world as I remember it. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I know he will be deeply missed. -Barb Robertson

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Aug
22
Saturday
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


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