August 27, 1949 – February 14, 2026
Russell Dean “Russ” Steenblock, 76, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, Russ lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, faith, and quiet strength.
Service Details are Pending and will be posted as soon as they become available.
Memorials may be directed to the family, to be given to organizations important to Russ including: the VFW, Mayo Clinic Research Programs, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation; and Newman Catholic School.
Russ was born on August 27, 1949, in Hampton, Iowa, to Henry E. and Maggie (Harms) Steenblock. He attended Belmond High School and later continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree in Automotive Technology. While attending NIACC, he proudly played football for the Trojans with his cousins.
From 1969 to 1971, Russ served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His time in the service shaped his deep respect for fellow veterans. Throughout his life, he proudly supported the VFW and Disabled Veterans in any way he could.
Before beginning his long career with the United States Postal Service, Russ worked in several area automotive shops, putting his mechanical skills to work. He then began what would become a 39-year career at the post office, working as a clerk — a job he truly loved. He valued routine, responsibility, and the people he served each day. He retired in 2009, leaving behind nearly four decades of dedicated service.
On May 5, 1972, Russ married the love of his life, Diane Zeiger, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, Iowa. Together they were blessed with three children — Josh, Adam, and Shauna — and built a life rooted in faith, family, and commitment. Their marriage of more than fifty years was a true partnership.
Russ liked to stay busy and was happiest when he had something to work on. He had a deep appreciation for classic cars and could often be found at car shows and auctions. His love for collecting ranged from guns to antique tractors, as well as antique toy trucks and tractors that brought him simple joy. An avid outdoorsman, Russ enjoyed fishing, bow hunting, and camping with his family — not for the destination, but for the time spent together. Russ was always tinkering, especially on projects at Josh’s house, and had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. If something broke or needed attention, he was the family’s first call.
He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it mattered, even delivered with a dry sense of humor and a smirk. He was tough, but fair, with his children, and his love for them was steady and constant. His grandchildren were everything to him and had a special place in his heart.
Russ was a faithful attendant of Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church. He believed in giving when he could and helping when he was able.
Over the last 14 months, Russ valiantly fought a rare type of cancer. His legacy will include the sacrifices he made to participate in clinical research to help future patients. A special thanks to Dr. Hampel and the Mayo Clinic team, for the gift of more time with Russ.
Family was the center of Russ’s life. He is survived by his wife, Diane Steenblock of Mason City; his children, Josh (Kathy) Steenblock of Mason City, Adam (Jackie) Steenblock of Jesup, and Shauna (Robert) Krush of Manly; and his cherished grandchildren, Avery, Taylor, Maggie, Adalyn, Peter, and Oliver Steenblock; Indie Krush; and a baby girl Krush expected in June. He was proud of each of them and found great joy in watching his family grow. He is also survived by his siblings, Dixie Revland, Donna Leist, and Bob (Carol) Steenblock; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maggie Steenblock; his father and mother-in-law, Alex and Ellie Zeiger; his brothers-in-law, Ron “Burly” Leist, Mike McCauley and Terry Meints; and close cousin, Ron Harms.
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