Stephen Forest Beecher

   Steve Forest Beecher, the son of Forest and Marjorie (Blasnitz) Beecher, was born on December 30, 1948, in Jefferson County, IA near Churdan. He was raised and received his early education there, graduating from Paton-Churdan High School. After graduation, he attended UNI, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education.

   Steve married Bernadette Zahasky on November 4, 1972 in Protivin, IA. Following their marriage, Steve taught and coached at Adair-Casey. Steve loved athletics and was in his element when the buzzer would sound, and play would ensue. He felt he needed a new location, so the couple moved to Parkersburg, near Cedar Falls. While living there, he obtained his Master’s Degree from U.N.I. in Administration. He started his next adventure in Leon, IA. He was also an administrator at SEMCO, Knoxville and Garner. In 1995, they moved to Garner and spent the next 22 years there. When their first grandchild was born in 2016 they moved to Spencer. He had many happy visits to their daughter’s home playing with the grandchildren. Steve’s passion was coaching and watching sporting events. He was highly invested in being a teacher and administrator. He impacted many students over his 35-year career. He also had an incredible sense of humor and was very charismatic.

   Steve passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the Spencer Acute Rehab Center in Spencer, IA, at the age of 76.

   Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bernie; his daughter, Kristen Triplett and her husband, Brennen; his grandchildren: Rozlyn, Crayton, Lawton and Indy; his sister Jeannie; his brother, Lindsey; his sister-in-law, Virginia; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.