Stephen Wayne Sickels
Stephen Wayne Sickels
Ruskin, FL
Stephen Wayne Sickels, 75, of Ruskin, FL, formerly of Marion, IA, passed away May 23, 2025 at Freedom Plaza from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He faced the disease with much courage and dignity.
Stephen was born June 3, 1949, in Manchester, IA, to Kennith and Vera (Carrothers) Sickels. After graduating from Anamosa High School in 1967, he enlisted in the Navy where he spent the next 20 years.
In 1970, Stephen married Iva Cristine Smith and together they enjoyed 54 years, two children, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He proudly retired from the United States Navy in 1987 as a Senior Chief (STGCS) and went on from there to work at several companies in Cedar Rapids, finally
retiring for good from Quaker Oats. They made a final move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Ruskin, FL in 2020 after wintering there for many years.
Stephen was an avid golfer who enjoyed baseball, basketball, crossword puzzles, reading books, and going on adventures with his wife and family. His favorite time was spent gathering around card tables with his family playing Euchre, Pinochle, Canasta and any other card game they would play!
His smile and wicked sense of humor will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Cristine of Ruskin, FL, daughters Kristy (Stephen) Muench of Riverview, FL, Tami Richardson of Cedar Rapids, IA, grandchildren Austen (Bethany) Bruns of Cedar Rapids, IA, Courtnie Bruns of Ruskin, FL, Lynx Richardson of Cedar Rapids, IA, and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Bruns (Austen & Bethany). He is also survived by his siblings, Kennith Sickels, Jr, Carol (Keith) Powers, and Belinda (Robert) Dirmyer, many cousins, nieces, and nephews and his uncle Donnie (Freda) Carrothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Robert and Mary Smith, nephew Eric Sickels, sister-in-law, Debra Sickels, and brother-in-law Harvey Hall.
Visitation will be held at the American Legion in Marion on June 18, 2025, 3 to 7 p.m., and funeral services will be held at the Silver Creek church and cemetery June 19, 2025, 11 a.m. A luncheon fellowship will follow immediately at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Camp Courageous or the American Legion Post 0298.