July 17, 1946 — February 21, 2026
Steven Cecil Hengesteg, 79, died peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Mercy North Iowa Medical Center. Steve was born July 17, 1946, to Ernie and Eileen (Lair) Hengesteg of rural Northwood. He was the sixth of ten children. Steve attended Lake Mills Schools before enlisting in the US Army, during which he was stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany, for two years.
He married Carol Cooper of Glenville on February 28, 1970, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lake Mills – the second couple to be married in the new church. They raised two children.
Steve farmed his entire life west of Northwood, raising corn, soybeans, and cattle. So many people knew “Weasel” that his kids earnestly thought he knew everyone. A lover of county fairs, Steve served many years on the Worth County Fair Board and loved the many friendships and adventures that service brought him.
Steve loved being on the go. He would never blink twice about getting behind the wheel to check the crops, go for supper (sometimes a two-for-one adventure), check storm damage, or visit family or friends. He drove for numerous family vacations or road trips to Michigan, South Dakota, Nashville, Cape Cod, Delaware, and Indianapolis. When Julie enrolled at Iowa State, he was always willing to visit her and treat her to a meal at Hickory Park. He returned to Germany thirty years after being stationed there to visit their son Paul while he studied abroad. As he neared retirement from farming, he and Carol enjoyed Harley rides in the region on nice days and would often travel to Bondurant to watch Grace play softball or basketball.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Eileen; his brothers, Richard, Bruce, and Donald; his brothers-in-law, Frank Adams and Philip Wogen; his parents-in-law, Charles and Virginia Cooper; and his sisters-in-law, Renee Cooper and Jane Trainer. Left to survive his memory are his wife Carol; his daughter Julie (John) Bergeson of Bondurant; son Paul of Des Moines; granddaughter Grace Bergeson; his sisters Kathleen Kirschbaum, Mary Jo Wogen, Judie Adams, and Jeanne (Curtis) Pint; his brothers Robert (Marg) and Charles (Bonnie); sister-in-law Judy Ann Hengesteg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol’s brothers Marvin (Kris) and Philip (Nancy) and their families also mourn his loss.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Steven will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly with Fr. David O’Connor officiating. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood. Steven will be laid to rest in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.
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