Stephen Swails

STEPHEN LARRY SWAILS

Iowa City

Stephen Larry Swails died Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, following a sudden battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City (Sunday Parking Ordinance will be in effect for parking near the church). Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Steve's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Cedar Rapids Civil Air Patrol. To share a thought, memory or condolence with Steve's family, please go to the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Steve was born Nov. 27, 1948, the son of Larry Swails and Elaine (Rusley) Swails. He graduated from City High School in Iowa City in 1967, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Iowa in 1972, and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Utah in 1989. Steve married Sara Beckord 46 years ago at the First Presbyterian Church in Rolfe, Iowa, on Aug. 22, 1971. They had three children and five grandchildren.

Steve joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972. He flew the F4 Phantom jet and was Top Gun of the Quarter while based in Spain as part of a NATO force. In 1980, he left the Air Force and worked in the nuclear energy field. He was active in the Air Force Reserves until 2000, retiring as lieutenant colonel. After leaving the Air Force, he first worked with Westinghouse and then Alliant Energy in Cedar Rapids. He was employed at Alliant for 28 years, starting as manager of nuclear licensing and retiring as director of substation asset care. Following his retirement from Alliant, Steve did part-time consulting work for Mi-Tech Services until his death. Steve and Sara were building the perfect retirement together by renovating Sara's parents' cabin in Estes Park, Colo., preparing and expanding it together for their growing family. Sadly, the project is not yet complete, but he was thrilled knowing future generations will fill it with happy memories.

Steve was an Eagle Scout who loved road biking, taking part in RAGBRAI, TOMRV and several century rides. He was a member of the Bicyclists of Iowa City and spoke fondly of his many Wild Turkey rides. He was also a regular runner, a very active guy who did not like to sit still for long. His engineering mind was eager to explore and solve anything. He could fix absolutely everything. His favorite role was as Grandpa Steve to his five grandchildren. He delighted in their development, playing and sharing his curious nature.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Larry Swails.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sara of Iowa City; and his mother, Elaine Swails of Iowa City. He is also survived by his three children, Amanda Swails (Nick Miller) of Boise, Idaho, Emily Jurek (Joe Jurek) of Chicago and Dan Swails (Bailey Jacobson) of Glenwood, Ill. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Swails (Mindy Swails) of Vestal, N.Y.; sister, Fran Bridges (Jimmy Bridges) of Little Rock, Ark.; and his five grandchildren, Gus, Henry, Peter, Lola and Wesley.

He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.