Steven Reed Rutenbeck

Steve Rutenbeck, 73, of Sabula, IA, and formerly of Lost Nation, IA, died on Wednesday morning, September 23rd, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, surrounded by his family following a sudden cardiac event.

Steven Reed Rutenbeck was born on September 7th, 1953, in Maquoketa, IA, to Verlyn and Dolores (Dietz) Rutenbeck. Steve was a 1971 graduate of Lost Nation Community School, where he also worked as a bus mechanic and driver following his graduation and trade school.

Steve attended the Iowa Automotive & Diesel Institute for mechanical training, but his life led him in many directions. Continuing the family tradition, Steve worked the family farm, raising livestock and growing corn and soybeans alongside his father. He was the owner and operator of the Tri-Stop convenience store in Lost Nation for 26 years. He also served on the board of First Trust and Savings Bank in Wheatland for over 46 years.

After retirement, Steve traveled and enjoyed spending summers on his property in Oxford Junction with his kids and grandkids. He spent many afternoons in Sabula, often taking one of his cars out for a drive or attending a nearby car show. Steve’s stubbornness was outweighed only by his drive to work hard and instill that same work ethic in his children.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy Rutenbeck of DeWitt, IA; children, Mitch Rutenbeck of Cedar Rapids, IA, Erin (Justin) Mulholland of DeWitt, IA, and Karri Rutenbeck of Baldwin, IA; sisters, Connie Deppe of Tempe, AZ, and Sherilyn Rutenbeck of Lowden, IA; three grandchildren, Joslynn, Jamisynn, and Jenntry Mulholland; many nieces and nephews; and friend Jeannine Preston. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Steve’s wishes, no services will be held. Instead, the family will be spreading his ashes among the various places he loved most.