Steve McCoy

Steve met his wife, Karen Swaim, as a young teenager and they married in 1970 in Jefferson. They were blessed with three sons; Jeffrey Stephen, Todd Charles and Brett Robert. Steve was a loving father and enjoyed every minute of being with his boys. He shared his myriad of skills throughout the years and enjoyed playing golf and billiards and attending sporting events and concerts with them.  

As a young man he worked for Bordenaro’s Market alongside his brother and best friend, Tim. After returning from his six-month training for the National Guard in Fort Gordon, Ga., he joined the workforce of the United States Postal Service, where he was a devoted employee for 45 years. He carried city routes, clerked part time, and later became the maintenance “engineer.”

In the early 1970s, Steve became interested in sign painting and this interest became a considerable part-time job. He supplied numerous businesses with hand-lettered artwork, banners, and signs, including AAI, McAtee Tire, and the Little League outfield wall, to name a few. He took great pride in his craft and was well-known for it!

In addition to his entrepreneurial sign painting venture, he and Karen owned and operated a paint store for several years. Steve, and his brother Chris, also owned and operated McCoy Brothers Printing. In his later years, he worked part time for Jefferson Telecom taking care of Totem Acres, which he thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.  

Following retirement in early 2013, Steve and Karen enjoyed taking trips – countless excursions up north to visit their children and their families. They also enjoyed short vacations to the Gulf Shores, San Diego, Nashville, and Hilton Head. They were hoping to experience more trips together with their many good friends, but in 2018, Steve was diagnosed with cognitive memory issues, leading to dementia. Last fall, his condition progressed, and he moved into Lakeside Village in Panora, Iowa. A few months later he came back to Jefferson as a resident of Regency Park, where he lived and was cared for lovingly until his death.  

Steve was a friend to many and a stranger to none. He was a member of the Jefferson BPO Elks 2306 and Knights of Columbus. He had a great sense of humor, liked his Bud Light, and loved being with his family and friends. To Karen, his wife of more than 52 years, he was her life, her true love, her best friend and his passing has left a huge chasm in her heart.   

Steve is survived by his wife, Karen; two sons, Jeffrey (Jen) and Todd (Katherine Bryant); two grandchildren, Taylor and Sienna; sisters Teresa (Roger Chesler) and Margaret McCoy (Tim Collogan); brothers Tim, Monsignor Kevin, and Chris (Lana); brother-in-law Chuck Swaim (Brenda); and several nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by infant son, Brett Robert; parents, Gene and Marian; brother, Mark; in-laws Joyce Swaim, Nelda Swaim Calvert, and Elmer Calvert; and sisters-in-law JoAnn Comstock and Jean Schwieger.

Born: September 15, 1949 – Jefferson, Iowa

Died: April 20, 2023 – Jefferson, Iowa

Age:  73 Years

Knights of Columbus Rosary — 4:30 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa, Leader - Dennis Ward

Mass of the Christian Burial — 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 24, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson, Iowa

Mass Celebrated By: Msgr. Kevin McCoy Mary Jane Fields, Lector, Jerry Fields, Altar Server, Teresa Chesler & Margaret McCoy, Gift Bearers

Honorary Bearers: Dennis Tiffany, Dan Calvert, Ed Calvert, Larry Turner, Dan Nation, Roger Chesler, Tim Collogan, David Baller, Chuck Swaim, Teresa Chesler, Margaret McCoy, Tim McCoy, Msgr. Kevin McCoy, Chris McCoy, Mark McCoy, posthumous

Casket bearers: Jesse Monthei, Ryan Monthei, Rex Meylor, John Hegland, McCayla Hegland, Angie Monthei-Meylor

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161