Stephen John Erusha

StepHEn John Erusha

Cedar Rapids

Stephen John Erusha passed on Sept. 9, 2022, after a two-year bout with an illness.

Vigil Service: 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Visitation 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Interment: St. John’s Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Steve was born April 8, 1949, to Rose Marie (Cosgrove) and Vernon Eugene Erusha in Cedar Rapids. At 5 years old he moved with his family to the family farm in Amana, where they remained before returning to Cedar Rapids a few years later. He had many great memories from his time on the farm and told many entertaining stories, including riding a horse to a one room schoolhouse and his Aunt Barb as his schoolteacher.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967 and as a senior was on the state championship basketball team, something he was very proud of. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1971.

He married Peggy Marie Fitzpatrick in 1973 and had two children, Stephanie Marie and Daniel John. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and his children Stephanie (Michael Bryant) and Dan (Amy). He also is survived by his four grandchildren, Michael Rattliffe, Haddie Erusha, Evaeya Bryant and Ivy Erusha, his sister, Pamela Johnson (Sam Jr.); his sister-in-law, Kathy Erusha; his sister-in-law, Molly Claypool (Mark Troendle); and his sister-in-law, Kathy Perret (Bill). Steve also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Steve was a very successful realtor and homebuilder. A few of his many accomplishments and achievements included being the president of the homebuilder’s association, president of the board of realtors, Realtor Emeritus for 50 years as a realtor, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cedar Rapids Board of Realtors and being inducted in the National Association of Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 2012.

One of Steve’s favorite pastimes was spending time at his condo at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. He spent many summer days boating, fishing off his dock, and having fun with friends and family.

Steve had a very vibrant and welcoming personality, which few who met him could ever forget. He never met a stranger who stayed a stranger for long and could make fast friends with anyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Rose Mary Erusha; his brother, David Erusha; and his grandmothers, Barbara Erusha and Gertrude Cosgrove.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorials may be directed to Iowa State University Library Fund, Xavier High School, or St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.