Steven Lee Fitzwater, 57, of Dubois, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, left us Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family after a valiant year-long battle with Frontotemporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia.
He was born March 18, 1953 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, to Billie Bruce Fitzwater and Chlorina N. Monk Fitzwater, the first of five children. He graduated from Villisca High School in Villisca, Iowa in 1972. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Range Management from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
While attending school he met not only his best friend, but the love of his life, MaryAnn Cooper. They were married August 20, 1976 in Wellsville, Utah and welcomed five children to this marriage. After college, Steve began his career with the USDA/Farm Service Agency in Utah and later moved to Idaho where he retired in September of 2009 as the County Executive Director for Clark and Jefferson Counties after 27 years of service, due to his illness.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and camping. He made it a point to make sure these activities were a part of all of his children’s lives. He was also a very unique story teller and writer who loved to see the reactions his stories created. From his love of trapping he served as President of the National Trappers Association from 2004 until 2006. He also served as the NTA Director for the Upper Snake River Trappers Association, the Northwest Regional Director, and the Vice President of the NTA.
Although Steve loved being outdoors, the light of his life was his three Grandchildren whom he gave each their own special nickname. He always looked forward to the visits and phone calls from the grandkids.
Steve is survived by:
His wife of 37 years: MaryAnn Fitzwater, Dubois, ID
Daughter: Sarah Ann (Bruce) Bovey, Riggins, ID
Daughter: Rebeca Lee (Jarid) Heiken, Idaho Falls, ID
Daughter: Rachel Marie (Timothy)Dart, Myton, UT
Daughter: Loni Beth Fitzwater (T.J. Williams), Logan, UT
Son: Jonathan William Henry “J.W.” Fitzwater, Dubois, ID
Three Grandchildren: Sierra “Sis”; Cordell “Bubba” and Konnor “Ophis”
Parents: Bill and Chlorina Fitzwater, Villisca, IA
Brother: Joe (Terrie) Fitzwater
Brother: Scott “Skip” (Mary) Fitzwater
Brother: Bruce Fitzwater
Sister: Peggy (Nathan)Vermillion
Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and great friends.
Steve was always a straight shooter, with a quick wit and was never afraid to express his own opinions. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the Dubois LDS Church, 471 East 2nd South, Dubois, with Bishop Shane Jacobson of the Beaver Creek Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from Noon to 1:45 p.m. at the church prior to services.
Funeral Services
2 p.m. ,Saturday, July 17, 2010
Dubois LDS Beaver Creek Ward
471 East 2nd South Dubois, ID 83423