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Steve Maravetz

August 31, 1952 ~ December 5, 2025

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Steve Maravetz, 73, of Mount Vernon, died suddenly yet peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, of an apparent heart attack.

Steve leaves behind his wife, Dixie Collins; a daughter, Heather (Namaste) Reid; a son, Aaron Collins; three grandchildren, Owen Hamm, Devon Hamm, and Violet Reid; siblings, David (Kathy) Maravetz, Mary Jo Maravetz, Laurie Maravetz, and William (Dianne) Maravetz; nieces and nephews, Alex and Emily Maravetz, Xeno Dewey, Willa Mullen, and Katya Hafich; and a multitude of friends.

No public services are planned. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services. A longer obituary is forthcoming.

Memorial gifts can be directed to Patty Ankrum’s Prairie Legacy at www.inhf.org/patty-ankrum or Mount Vernon Area Arts Council at www.mvaac.org/make-a-donation.

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  2. Steve was smart, kind and hilarious. His steady participation in the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council were invaluable.

    But what I think of most when I think of Steve is Dixie. He adored her and was adored by her and they made a wonderful pair who participated in life fully.

    My heart goes out to her and the loss of her great love.

    Steve will be greatly missed by us too. ❤️

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  4. I’ll miss you my friend. Prayers to you Dixie and the rest of your family. I realize it was sudden. No ryhme reason sometimes. God Bless!

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  5. I used to call Steve my “Mayflower Cousin.” Over dinner at our home in Iowa City, Steve mentioned that he had ancestors who came over on the Mayflower. When I told him that Miles Standish was my ancestor, he laughed and told me that John Alden was his. Those who are familiar with Longfellow’s tale of The Courtship of Miles Standish will remember that John Alden, the scholar, wrote love letters for
    Miles who wanted to court Priscilla Mullins. Things didn’t progress as Miles wished and John ended up marrying Priscilla, instead. So fitting that Steve reigned from this man of words, as Steve was a wordsmith, himself. I really appreciated Steve’s way with words and the wisdom and humor which accompanied them. I mostly appreciated his love for Dixie and how they grew a great big beautiful family together. Not many couples do that as well. I will miss watching this beautiful dance between these two. My deepest condolences to Dixie, their children, grandchildren, family and close friends. This loss cuts deep.

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  6. I guess I’ve known Steve and Dixie for a little over thirty years, schlepping the kids around to see Black Sheep playing gigs all over Cedar Rapids. It’s been a pleasure hobnobbing with you both and the Black Sheep “family” all these years, and at various arts and music functions. I will miss Steve’s conversational wit and turn of phrase; a joy to talk with (a heck of a painter in his own right, too!). When it came time to put together a tribute for our mutual friend Dale Beeks shortly after his sudden passing, Steve & Dixie reached out, and I got to spend some quality time with him hatching and scheming something we both knew Dale and all his friends would enjoy; what fun. Dixie, my heart is heavy for your loss, and all the loss you’ve had to endure in recent months. Know that we are all right there with you, both mourning his loss from this earth and celebrating our kindred spirit Steve.

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  7. Dixie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Nancy Lathrop contacted me. Steve will be missed by so many. He impacted a lot of lives over the years. I have found memories of sitting in your living being entertained by Steve.

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