Obituary

Loren “Stein” Wesley Steenhoek passed away on September 2, 2024, after a long, fulfilling, and remarkable life. Stein was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Steenhoek, his sister, Betty (Pete) Hessing, brother, Jim Steenhoek, sister Esther VerMeer, and granddaughter, Brandi Willis.

Stein was born on June 28, 1942, in Leighton, Iowa to Walter and Anna Steenhoek and was the third of four siblings. He attended Pella Christian High School where he met the love of his life, Marge Roozeboom. After graduation he attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for two years. He returned to Pella after a secret elopement with Marge in 1962.

Stein joined Pella Construction and settled into family life. Soon after, Marge became pregnant and the secret was out! In 1963, their first daughter, Lori, was born. She married Mark Iles in 1991, and they are blessed with three children and one grandson: David Iles (Allie and son, Jack Wesley), Sarah Millner (Kyle), and Katie Iles (Michael Wuestenberg). In 1969, their second daughter Daphne was born. She married Scott Willis in 2007, and they are blessed with a daughter, Mia Stewart-Willis (Shay).

Stein became a plant manager at Rollscreen, later known as Pella Corporation, and worked there for 20 years. Stein and Marge, along with many extended family members, renovated the bus depot and old hotel adjacent to the Pella town square to make way for the Red Lollipop and CornerStone clothing/gift stores. They ultimately renovated the entire property and moved into the third floor in 1987.

In 2000, Stein established SteinStone where he focused on ornamental architecture which was his most fulfilling work. Evidence of Stein’s handprints are on full display throughout the town of Pella. From most of the Dutch fronts of the buildings around the town square, the sun dial in Central Park, to the Klokkenspel adjacent to their home, his contributions to the aesthetic of Pella are everywhere. He found his passion that allowed him to tap into his creativity. At that point he proclaimed that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. For him that rule held true. It is only fitting he went on to be with the Lord on Labor Day; a day he would have rather been at his shop finishing a project under construction rather than sitting idle. He did not do well with idle time! Over time, he expanded into commercial and residential projects throughout the state and beyond, his pieces are truly works of art. He also used his talents to build floats for Tulip Time and projects for Third Church.

Stein was able to build or fix just about anything he set his mind to, but his passions extended beyond his primary work. He was an avid flyer and over time built his own ultra light aircraft. His wife and daughters were very grateful his ultralight was a one seater! He flew whenever he could. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for 50 years and had close relationships with other EAA members who shared his passion for flying. The actual act of flying was the only activity Stein participated in without Marge directly by his side. Everything else Stein did he did with Marge’s literal and figurative support. When it comes to partnerships they set the bar at the highest level.

Stein was an incredibly hard worker, highly principled, loyal, a bit stubborn but committed! He set the highest of standards for his family, friends, and business associates. He was practical, frugal, but extremely generous with his time and money for those who were in need. He had a particular penchant for an abused pickup truck. The cheaper the better! He loved a rusted out floor board!

Stein was strong in his faith and loved the Lord. When he became a grandpa his heart expanded and he found more time, patience, and energy to give. He was blessed to meet his great grandson, Jack Wesley. We are forever blessed to have had the good fortune to share our lives with him.

Stein is survived by his wife, Marge; daughters, Lori (Mark) Iles and Daphne (Scott) Willis; grandchildren, David (Allie) Iles, Sarah (Kyle) Millner, Katie Iles (Michael Wuestenberg) and Mia (Shay) Stewart-Willis; great grandson, Jack Wesley Iles; as well as a large extended family.

Visitation will be held at Third Church, in Pella, on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, September 7, 2024, with a reception following at the church, where we invite all to share their stories and favorite memories with the family. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Leighton, Iowa, will follow the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stein’s memory can be made to the Pella Community Foundation, the Pella Historical Society, and Third Church.

For those unable to attend, the services will be livestreamed. A link will appear on Stein’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where you may also leave online condolences.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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