Steven J. Naber

Steven J. Naber

Dana Point, Calif.

Steven J. Naber, 70, of Dana Point, Calif., passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, April 30, 2023, after a brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. He loved his family and embraced time with them, never complaining about his illness.

Steve was born Sept. 5, 1952, in Tipton, Iowa, to John and Eileen Naber. A few years after he was born, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Steve was known as “Joiner” to his younger brother Craig, and his younger sister Barb was teased often with his tricks. The three siblings and their parents kept an incredibly close relationship throughout their lives. Steve graduated from Washington High School and was a member of the 1969 State Championship basketball team. Upon graduation, Steve enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He thrived at college in Finance and enjoyed trips to Florida over spring break with his friends and family, sporting ’70s long hair and cut-off jeans. He received a degree in Accounting (BBA) in 1974 and earned his CPA license. His career began with Kraft Foods, traveling all over Europe as an auditor. An opportunity with Mattel, Inc. brought Steve to Southern California where he started his family and had a successful 35 -year career in finance and operations. He was appointed CFO for various medical device and other companies.

Steve was so excited when his children Jeffrey and Leslie were born. He announced that “the pressure was off” to carry on the Naber name, a running joke with the Naber’s. Steve adored his children and was proud of their various activities and accomplishments. He looked forward to attending their events and sports competitions and cheered them on. His support and love for his children was undeniable. Steve was fondly known as “Pa” to his 3-year-old granddaughter Makenzie, whom he greatly cherished and loved. She was an angel from heaven for Steve during his struggle with Parkinson’s. Together, they loved spending time at the Dana Point Harbor looking at all the boats and sea animals. Makenzie will treasure these memories and their time together.

As CFO of Eyeonics, Inc., Steve was nominated as “CFO of The Year” by the Orange County Business Journal. For many years he attended church and volunteered his time to assist with the church finances. Steve was an avid boater and loved being near the ocean. Tommy Bahama attire was always a must! He excelled in entertaining friends and family on his boat or at his home and was known for telling a great story. He enjoyed watching ESPN, playing golf and tennis, attending professional sporting events and rarely missed attending or watching an Iowa Hawkeye game- Go Hawks! After retirement, Steve continued his love for travel, along with his partner Kristy of 12 years. Time was split between California and Florida, and he enjoyed traveling yearly to Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, New York (US Open Tennis), and the Pacific Northwest. One of Steve’s great loves was traveling and seeing new places and making friends. When walking became difficult, he continued adventuring on various cruises and he loved it when people gave him high-fives and recognition for his strength in persevering despite the challenges of international travel! Steve especially enjoyed family times and get-togethers with friends and relatives. His love, zest for life, and fun-loving nature and humor will be greatly missed.

Steve is survived by his partner Kristy Manuel of Dana Point, his daughter Leslie (Joe) McLoughlin, his son Jeff Naber, and their mother and former wife Eileen Naber of Laguna Niguel, his granddaughter Makenzie McLoughlin, his brother Craig Naber of Naples, Fla., his sister Barbara Rich of Los Angeles, Calif., and extended family members.

Steve was predeceased by his mother Eileen Naber of Cedar Rapids, his father John Naber of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his grandparents, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Steve’s name to: Parkinson’s Exercise Program of Orange County: https://www.ocnonprofitcentral.org/organizations/parkinsons-exercise-program-of-the-parkinsons-association-of-orange-county

There is no formal service, the family is hosting a celebration of his life in Dana Point, Calif., and in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A special thank-you to Steve’s caretakers Alvin, Edgar, and Fredy for their ongoing friendship and care for Steve.