Jesse J. Steger

NEW VIENNA, IOWA

Jesse Steger passed away at home on August 5th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. As with any challenge he faced in life, he met his cancer diagnosis with strength, determination, and grit.

Jesse was born on May 15th, 1958, the son of Walter and Cleo (Meinen) Steger, of Holy Cross, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm, working hard and having fun alongside his brothers, sister, and cousins. Jesse's greatest joy in life was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Fangman, on May 29th, 1976, and together they built a beautiful life in New Vienna, filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless memories. They raised four children who were the pride of his life: Kristie (Lee) Stump; Paul (Kristi Langel) Steger; Amy (Bryson) Winsky; and Abby (Nick) Moore.

Nothing made Jesse smile more than being "Papa." He adored his ten grandchildren: Kylie, Hannah, and Adalyn Stump; Cole and Eli Steger; Walter, Callen, and Isla Winsky; and Delaney and Whitley Moore.

Jesse believed wholeheartedly in the philosophy of "work hard, play hard." He worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide opportunities, unforgettable experiences, and vacations for his family. Summers were spent making memories on the Mississippi River aboard "Papa's Boat." He taught more family members, friends, and neighbors to water ski than anyone could ever count, and if you were lucky enough to spend a day on the river with him, you left with a smile and a story to tell.

Jesse's work ethic was unmatched. Shortly after high school graduation, he started working for Steger Heiderscheit Construction and embraced an opportunity to become an owner in 1995 and led Steger Construction with integrity, honesty, and a genuine care for every employee. To Jesse, employees were like family. He took immense pride in passing the business on to his son, Paul, knowing it would continue with the same values that had guided him throughout his career.

Jesse's generosity reached far beyond his own family. He was a pillar of the community who believed that showing up mattered. He volunteered countless hours in the community and at St. Boniface Parish, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was also deeply involved with the Tri-County Sportsmen, where he dedicated his time to improving the land, supporting development efforts, and participating in events.

No matter the season or sport, Jesse could often be found cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Saturdays in the fall meant black and gold, tailgating with family and friends, and creating traditions that were more important than the games themselves. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, where the camaraderie always led to jokes and good times.

Jesse's greatest accomplishments were not found in any title or achievement, but in being a devoted husband, a loving father, an unforgettable Papa, a trusted friend, and a man whose life truly made his community a better place. He taught those around him the value of hard work, the importance of lending a hand, and life is meant to be enjoyed with the people you love. His kindness, generosity, humor, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Survivors are Dave and Doris (Cummer) Steger; Lonnie and Kathy (Leibfried) Steger; Geralynn (Bob) Lord; Chuck and Ruth (McQuillen) Gassmann; sisters-in-law Lou Fangman and Diane (Fangman) White, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Cleo Steger; his brother, Ben Steger; his nephew, Tony Steger; and his mother- and father-in-law, Leonard "Hans" and Jeanette (Bries) Fangman.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in every boat ride on the river, every Hawkeye tailgate, every helping hand offered without hesitation, and every cherished memory shared by family and friends. He will be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations sent to the Kramer-Morris Funeral Home will contribute to the Jesse Steger Memorial Fund, which will be supporting the creation of a construction/trades scholarship at Beckman Catholic High School, Western Dubuque High School, as well as the Associated General Contractors of Iowa Foundation. If preferred, a donation can also be made to the charity of your choice in the name of Jesse Steger.

The family would like to express immense gratitude to the caring staff of Hospice of Dubuque and all of the healthcare professionals who cared for Jesse throughout his journey.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 – 8 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 8:45 – 9:45 prior to funeral mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Joshua Krischel will officiate.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.