John Van Steenhuyse

John Van Steenhuyse, 85, passed away peacefully Friday, May 21, 2021, at Meth-Wick with family by his side. Visitation: 4-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Sharing of Memories at 6:30. Private Mass: Thursday, May 27, 2021, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Inurnment: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Zach Johnson Foundation. John was born on October 9, 1935, in a farmhouse near Blairstown, Iowa, to Jerome Alexander and Margaret Linda (Van Lancker) Van Steenhuyse. John started school at St. Claire No. 4, a one room school near his home, and moved to Blairstown schools in 5th grade. He graduated from Blairstown High School in 1953, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Baker. Their courtship was straight out of a 1950's romance: John was a star athlete, and Pat was a cheerleader and class valedictorian. They married on June 25, 1955, and were married for 59 years, until Pat's death in 2015. John spent most of his career at Cherry Burrell (later Evergreen Packaging), where he worked for 38 years. He began his work with Cherry as an electronics technician and rose through the ranks to the position of Director of Sales Services, where he supervised 52 employees. While he was proud of his work accomplishments, his family and personal life were more important. He always said his life goal was to be a retiree, and he achieved that goal in 1998. John was an avid golfer, and after retirement, he played nearly every day the weather allowed. He kept meticulous records of every game he played, and he made special note of his 4 holes-in-one as well as a number of eagles and double eagles. He loved golf, golfers and golf courses. One of his favorite days was spent at the Masters Tournament with his son-in-law, Dan, at the course in Augusta, Georgia, that he considered one of the most beautiful in the world. John was also an accomplished artist. He was a talented woodcarver whose birds were shown and sold at the Iowa Heritage Wildlife Art Shows. One of his proudest moments was when a small boy studied one of his birds at an art exhibit and mistook it for a real bird. His artistic endeavors didn't stop with woodcarving. He also enjoyed painting in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. He was a cabinet maker who could replicate any piece of fine furniture that caught Pat's eye. His painting and his furniture adorn the homes of all his children. He was simply a great dad and grandfather. He was always willing to get down on the floor and play with his kids or dance with them around the kitchen. He made a tradition of taking his daughters out to dinner on their birthdays, making them feel very grown up. He was a huge Iowa basketball fan and loved watching the games with his son. And he was always there for his grandkids, attending many, many recitals, concerts, and soccer games. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat; siblings, Dolores Rundall, Arline Van Steenhuyse, and Ronald Van Steenhuyse; as well as his brothers-in-law. John is survived by his children, Kim (Dan) Loudermilk of Atlanta, Georgia, Steve (Virginia) Van Steenhuyse of Mason City, Sherri (Bob) Lanik of Houston, Texas, and Beth (David) Tessier of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Mariah and Elliott Althoff, Michael, Evan, Maggie, Liz and Joe Van Steenhuyse; two step-granddaughters, Annie Clare and Emma Tessier; great-grandchildren, Freya Clare and Charlie Kanter; two sisters-in-law, Maybeth Gilliam and Anne Baker Thomas; special cousin, Carol Kuhl; and many extended family members and friends. Dad, we hope your wish has come true'that there is a beautiful golf course in heaven, where birdies are common, and eagles are possible.