Steven James Theis

Steven James Theis, 74, of Colfax died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following an Iowa Hawkeye victory at Park Centre with his daughters by his side. A visitation will be held from 11-12:30 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Following the visitation, a graveside service will take place at Newton Union Cemetery. After the service, a celebration of Steve’s life will continue at the Elks Lodge from 1-3 p.m. The family requests that everyone wear their favorite Iowa Hawkeye or Green Bay Packers gear in honor of Steve. Memorials in Steve’s name (checks made payable to Michelle Stalzer) may be left at the funeral home.

Steve, the son of John and Myrtle (Alsthrom) Theis, was born on September 28, 1949 in Waukon. As a child, he moved to Newton with his family. Steve graduated from Newton High School in 1967. On June 27, 1970, Steve was united in marriage with Judith Purtilo in Newton. Their family was completed with the birth of their three children, Michelle, Chad, and Stephanie. Steve began his working career at the Maytag Company, then Axtell Ford, before owning the Mason’s Café from 1979-1986. During that time his cinnamon rolls were voted the best in Iowa. In the late 1980′s, Steve moved to Colfax, where he would later serve as Mayor, and returned to the Maytag Company until their closure. Following his divorce from Judy, Steve was married to Jana (State) Hunter in February of 1988. After receiving his AA in Business from Buena Vista, Steve finished his career at John Deere and then Emerson-Fisher Controls, retiring in 2022.

Steve was a part of many organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Columbus, I-Club, Pride of Iowa Barbershop Quartet, and the Mingo Men’s Club, where he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny each year. Steve also was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton and then attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax. Steve loved the outdoors including gardening, landscaping, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed bowling and his monthly poker night. Steve was a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Michelle (Brad) Stalzer of Newton, Chad Theis of Iowa, and Stephanie (Rodney) Annee of Newton; grandchildren, Zach (Kai) Bruxvoort, Morgan Stalzer, Dakota (Jackie) Theis, Trenton Theis, Logan Theis, and Bryar Annee; three great-grandchildren and one more on the way; his siblings, Mike (Sue) Theis of Newton, Kevin (Janelle) Theis of Waverly, Joel (Joni) Theis of Colchester, Illinois, and Tim (Sandy) Theis of Pinson, Alabama; and his many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John and Jan Theis and his mother, Myrtle Theis.