Steven Michael Lipes

Steven Michael Lipes

West Branch

Steven Michael Lipes, 76, of West Branch, Iowa, died Sunday, January 25, 2026. Steven, son of Percy and Ruth (Fleshman) Lipes, was born December 28, 1949 in Oakland, California. He graduated from East Moline high school and Northern Illinois University, and earned an MBA from Saint Ambrose University. He married Sharon A. Engel on May 15, 1976, in Rock Island, Illinois.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam war as a Finance Clerk and a Helicopter Door Gunner, earning several combat medals, including the Air Medal and the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations and participation in over 25 aerial missions. Following his military service, Steve worked as a switchman for the Rock Island Lines Railroad and many other jobs before starting his career in the areas of finance and accounting. Steve worked for the Defense Finance and Accounting Services and the U.S. Army Sustainment Command.

Those who knew Steve know he was a jokester, a fan of fast cars and BMW motorcycles, a drummer, and an audiophile who appreciated the rhythm and subtle tones of good music. Steve always made time for family and friends and cherished the time he had with his grandchildren.

Steven is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon, his sons, Gregory (Katherine) Lipes of Moscow, Idaho, and Jeffrey Lipes (Thomas Hiller) of Waunakee, Wisconsin, his brother, Dan (Brenda) Lipes of Ft. Collins, Colorado, his grandchildren Cora, Margaret, Jeanette, Ruth, Hannah, Edward and Elizabeth. Steven was preceded in death by his parents.

A service for Steven will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery on August 10, 2026 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) in memory of Steven. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.