Stephen C. Newkirk

Stephen "Step" C. Newkirk, age 71, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, February 1 at approximately 3:35 am at Methodist CCU from complications following a heart bypass surgery.

Stephen was born August 17, 1951 to Dorothy Noble. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1971 before beginning a career in printing, then picture framing, eventually owning his own custom framing shop until his retirement.

He enjoyed wood-working, various forms of art, writing stories for his children and grandchildren, restoring, driving, and showing his 1965 classic Mustang in car shows, baking bread, eating snickerdoodles, telling classic (antique) "dad" jokes, and his life long passion of playing guitar, among other musical instruments. He always had music in his head and enjoyed listening to all types, especially the Beatles, as well as playing and recording it. His favorite past-time was playing with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a loving father and grandfather who will be missed immensely.

Stephen was preceeded in death by his mother Dorothy, oldest brother Bob Newkirk Jr, daughter Anissa Newkirk, best friend Owen Quaintance, and niece Dixie Hernandez.

He will be missed beyond measure by his loving wife, Brenda Newkirk, daughter Amy Bain (Chris), son Jesse Newkirk, daughter Sarah Klobnak (Jason), son Brian Watson, brother Jim Newkirk (Kay), sister Karen Hernandez, 9 grandchildren: Katie (Andy), Kylie, Caleb (Emma), Connor, Colby, Natalie, Tiana, Addie, Evelyn, 1 great grandchild: Ember, with another great granddaughter due in July, and many adoring nieces and nephews who he loved as his own, including: Joey Hernandez, Jason Patrick, Mindy Bryant (Eric), Cindy Fortune (Pat), Christy Newkirk, and their children, his beloved Shorkie Toby, as well as many other family and friends. His gentle, loving personality made him loved and adored by all who met him.

Stephen always has and always will be a light in all our lives. Words can never express how much he will be missed. The world will never be the same without his gentle spirit in it.

In lieu of flowers please send any contributions for burial expenses to Simplify Cremations & Funerals at 4821 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315.