Steve Gooding

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Stephen (Steve) Gooding passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the age of 57. 

Steve was born on March 21, 1965, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Jack and Marilyn (Culp) Gooding. He graduated from Iowa State University and spent his career building a successful insurance business in Des Moines. Steve raised three children with Dodi (Langerud) Rastetter, Blake, 32, Brooks, 29, and Bella,18; and two children with Jenna (Graham) Gooding, Olivia, 8, and Graham, 7.

Steve lived and loved in his life deeply and passionately. He traveled and explored the world, always finding peace in the sun on a beach. Steve also found so much joy in the little things in life - walking his dog to the post office, settling in for movie marathons, a morning cigar on his front porch, sitting by the fire with his kids, and watching the sun set over Clear Lake. Steve’s loved ones will always remember him for his warm smile and dileriously contagious laugh.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn. 

He is survived by his father, Jack; his uncle, Rick; his brother, Mike; his five children; a niece, and two nephews. 

A reception and celebration of Steve’s life took place at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines on Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 3-6 p.m., a brief ceremony was held at 4 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please memorialize Steve with a donation to Variety Club of Iowa.