Stephen Edward Tuomi

Stephen Edward Tuomi, EXACTLY YOUR AGE, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 with his loving wife by his side. After suffering from pneumonia this past Spring, Steve's lung cancer aggressively returned. He had only two weeks from that diagnosis to his passing but was thankful for the time he had to say goodbye to friends and family. Keeping his sense of humor and dignity to the end he quipped, "Not quite what I was planning, but what a great ride."

Steve was born May 7, 1953 in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Valley High School in West Des Moines. He married his first wife Sally Goodrich right after high school and shortly thereafter had two kids. Steve worked in sales, then later owned and ran the Hi-Ho Grill restaurant in Des Moines. In 1989 he married his second wife Lorraine, who he often referred to as "the love of his life." He then changed careers in the 90s and became an exterminator for Ecolab. He retired at 63, then traveled to many places including snowbirding in Texas and touring Hawaii.

Steve always rooted for the underdog and never shirked away from a hard day's work. He loved to crack jokes, tell stories, and make people laugh. But most of all he loved his family and friends. He viewed life as a great learning experiment and hated to miss anything. Steve enjoyed many things in his life including: Little League, fishing, golfing, reading, the New York Yankees, Civil War history and cold beer. Steve was always kind and generous to everyone he met. He always had a smile or joke for you. He was a wonderful husband, loving father, caring grandfather, great grandfather and as he would tell you himself, a mediocre golfer.

Steve is survived by his wife Lorraine; daughter Shannon (Billie); son Samuel (Chris); his two-stepdaughters Kimberly (Garth); and Amanda (JR). Steve also leaves behind many grandchildren who will greatly miss their "Grandpa Bugs."

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 19 at 1 pm at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church (8th & Grand). The Memorial Service will follow at 2 pm with a luncheon afterwards. Masks are required during the Visitation/Memorial per Steve's final wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the John Stoddard Cancer Center or the West Des Moines United Methodist Church.

"Oh, and never stop smiling."