Kula, Stephen 'Steve'

Stephen “Steve” Kula, 71, died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairieburg, with interment at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello, where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Father Wayne Droessler will officiate the services.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at .

Cards and memorials may be sent to Goettsch Funeral Home, 514 W. First St., Monticello, IA 52310.

Surviving are two daughters Teresa (Bob) Wright, Toddville and Carol (Tomas Mendez) Kula, Iowa City; a granddaughter, Allie Wright; his brother, Joe (Nola) Kula, Conifer, Colo.; three sisters, Patsy (Denny) Russell, Prairieburg, Susan (Ray) Frischkorn, Cedar Rapids and Mary Theresa “Bobbi” (Jon) Harris, St. Louis, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Stephen Francis Kula was born May 21, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa. He was the son of Stanley Francis and Margaret Kathryn (Gassen) Kula. Steve received his early education at St. Joseph Catholic School in Prairieburg. He was a 1960 graduate of Central City High School were he was a proud member of the National FFA Organization. After graduation, he joined the Untied States Army National Guard training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He married Katherine “Kay” Simmons on Sept. 11, 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The couple settled in Prairieburg where they raised hogs from farrow to finish, and grew corn and soybean crops. Kay preceded him in death on Aug. 23, 1975.

While farming, Steve also worked construction as a member of the Laborers' International Union of North America for over 30 years. He was employed by Paulson Construction Company of Cedar Rapids and Abild Construction of Marion among others working on major building projects in the area, until his retirement in 2000. Steve later married Gerianne Walker on May 22, 1997, in Anamosa, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2000.

Steve was both an active resident of Prairieburg and a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Throughout the years he volunteered often helping both the community and parish. Among many things in life, he enjoyed reading, being outdoors, keeping up with current events, listening to classic country music, collecting tractors and visiting with friends and family.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 25, 2013.