Cook, Steven R.

Steven R Cook, 55, of Iowa City, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at his home with his family by his side after his courageous battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will be at noon Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, Iowa City. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for all the streets near the church). Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Steve's memory to the Iowa City Firefighter's Benevolent Association or Iowa City Hospice. Online condolences may be sent through the web for his family at

Steve was born March 6, 1954 to Marilyn Pearson and Howard Cook. He graduated from Iowa City High School in 1972. Steve married Cindy Vevera, his lifelong soul mate on Aug. 3, 1973. Steve began working for his father-in-law, Bob Vevera at Vevera and Sons Masonry, until he joined the Iowa City Fire Department Dec. 4, 1981. He loved every minute of his career there, up to his retirement on July 10, 2009. Steve started working with Steve and Ken Musser for Musser Concrete in December 1989 and always said he was lucky to have two full time jobs that he loved. He never felt like he was going to work, but rather that he was going to be with friends.

Steve was respected by his fellow firefighters for his courage, unselfishness and commitment to the fire department. Because of his strength and endurance his fellow firefighters referred to him as the “Man of Steel.” He was a positive role model for every firefighter on the Iowa City department.

Steve enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his family, especially his grandchildren. He liked going to Florida to watch the sunset and all summer long could be found in Busch Stadium cheering on his beloved Cardinals. He is Iowa City's No. 1 Cardinals Fan. He will be remembered as a pillar of his family and of the Iowa City Fire Department and will be missed deeply.

Steve's family includes his wife, Cindy; two children, Stephanie (Matt) Graves of Des Moines, and Gabe (Michelle) Cook of Iowa City; five grandchildren, Sydney and Harrison Sanchez of Des Moines, Ella, Gavin and Joe Cook of Iowa City; his parents, Marilyn and O.J. Pearson of Iowa City and Howard and Sheryl Cook of Iowa City; six brothers and sisters, James (Sandra) Cook of Dallas, Texas, Brenda (Rick) Allanson of Minneapolis, Minn., Donna (Jeff Peone) Barrieau of Boise, Idaho, Sharon (David) Waite of Lisbon, Richard (Chris) Stalkfleet of Iowa City, and Robert Stalkfleet of Iowa City, two cousins, Bill Cook of Callao, Mo., and Bob Cook of Seattle, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Bob and Jane Vevera.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Steve's family and his services.