Mrstik, Stephen

Stephen Mrstik, 59, of Iowa City, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at his home of natural causes. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Family graveside services will take place at a later date at the Thorpe Cemetery.

A memorial fund will be established with the proceeds used to create establish a scholarship in his memory.

Online condolences for his family may be sent through the Web at

Stephen was born April 2, 1950, in Iowa City, the son of Joseph and Bethel (Palmer) Mrstik. He was raised on an acreage in the unincorporated town of Thorpe in Delaware County, Iowa, where he spent a wonderful childhood exploring Honey Creek and the nearby woodlands. Stephen graduated from West Delaware County Community High School in Manchester in 1968. During the Vietnam War he was 1-A but never drafted. He went on to receive his Associate in Arts degree from North Iowa Area Community College in 1970. Stephen attended Mankato State University and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, where he graduated with an Associate in Applied Science diploma in water and wastewater treatment.

He was certified Iowa Grade III water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water distribution operator. He worked for the Environmental Training Center at Kirkwood Community College for nearly 25 years as a grant coordinator, technical assistance provider, and continuing education instructor. Stephen also taught Water Environmental Technology as an associate professor at Kirkwood and worked with the team that developed those courses for internet delivery. In 1998 and 1999, he traveled to Mexico to promote environmental training.

Stephen married Cheryl Kay Mau on Oct. 17, 1970. From this marriage two children were born, Joseph Lowell Mrstik and Jessica Mau Mrstik. Years later he married Beverly Myers Galloway on Oct. 31, 1989. From this marriage two children were born, Cecil John Mrstik and Bethelyn Myers Mrstik. He loved his children more than they will ever know.

He was proud of his Czech heritage and strengthened throughout his life by his family. He was a backyard birder, loved flowers, and enjoyed golfing and fishing.

In addition to his four children, Joseph, Jessica, Cecil and Bethelyn; Stephen is survived by his sister, Kathy McGraw, her husband, David; niece and nephews, Stacey, Brian and Nick; his best friend, Mark Vining and his wife, Lynn; aunts, uncles, and beloved cousins; and his former wives, Cheryl, Vicki, Christine and Beverly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bethel; grandmother, Marie Palmer; grandfathers, John Mrstik and Milo Palmer Sr; his aunt “Sis” and uncle Art Martin; and his uncle, hero, and friend, Milo “Bud” Palmer.

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