116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Monday, November 17, 2025
Stephen James Goepferd, DDS
City: Iowa City
Funeral Home
Lensing Funeral and Cremation Services
Monday, November 17, 2025
Stephen James Goepferd, DDS
Stephen James Goepferd, DDS
Iowa City
On Friday, November 14, 2025, Stephen (Steve) James Goepferd passed away at his home in Iowa City. Colonel, Dentist, Jokester, Friend, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Father and Husband were some of the very important hats that he wore. Over the course of his career at the University of Iowa Dental School and in the National Guard, Steve brought so much laughter into the world. Quick with a pun or joke, he took any opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Steve was born on January 13, 1949 to Victor and Lois (Brendgard) Goepferd in Staples, MN. Steve married Bernadette “Bernie” Grotz in July of 1973. Steve and Bernie had two children, Angela Kade (b. 1977) and Leah (b. 1983). Steve is survived by his wife Bernie, children, Angela Kade Goepferd, Leah Isbell, his 5 grandchildren: Sam, Theo, Jack, Eve and Gus; brother John (Isabel) Goepferd and sister Vicki Kirvan. He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Lois Goepferd.
Steve will be interred at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family will be planting a memorial tree in Steve’s honor and any contributions can be mailed to Goepferd Family via the Lensing Funeral & Cremation Services at PO Box 167, Iowa City, Iowa 52244. Any desired memorial donations may be directed toward your local food shelter in Steve’s honor.
A full obituary may be viewed, and online condolences made at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Daily Newsletters