Steve Schramm, age 77 of Auburn, IA, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Stephen Royce Schramm was born September 23, 1948, in Sac City, IA, to Royce and Betty (Hartman) Schramm. He grew up on a farm near Early and graduated with the Crestland High School Class of 1966. He was baptized on November 14, 1948, and confirmed on April 15, 1962, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Odebolt, IA.
Following high school, Steve moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he lived with his sister, Sherrie, and worked as a welder. He later came home to care for the family farm—work that became a lifelong passion.
On May 30, 1973, Steve met the love of his life, Cindy Babcock, in Odebolt. The two were married on June 4, 1977, at the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt. From the beginning, their story was one for the books: on their first date, Steve took Cindy to look at a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, and by the second date, he was picking her up in it. They owned the car ever since and proudly had it restored years later. They were blessed with two sons, Joshua and Zachary.
Over the years, Steve held many jobs in addition to farming. He worked at Bill Mar Foods, Cornbelt Manufacturing, as a train/grain loader and tester, as a crop adjuster, and at Brite Strike Lures. He retired in 2013.
A true outdoorsman and historian at heart, Steve spent countless hours hunting artifacts on his land. He was proud of the many treasures he discovered—centuries-old arrowheads, bison skulls and horns, and other relics that told stories of the land he loved. He enjoyed flea markets and collected vintage fans, wildlife traps, and tools. In his younger years, he played a good game of pool. He was most recently working alongside his grandson to restore a 1950 International pickup. His treasured Charger R/T made appearances at several car shows over the years, often earning trophies.
Nothing compared to Steve’s love for the river. The Raccoon River winds through his and Cindy’s property, and he could often be found walking its banks searching for old artifacts or floating along in his kayak. He also loved fishing and took many memorable trips to Canada with friends. He enjoyed hunting, reading, bowling, and listening to his collection of 60’s and 70’s vinyl—his radio always tuned to 105.9 The Beach.
A devoted family man, Steve cherished simple moments: a good game of croquet with friends and loved ones, camping trips with Cindy and the boys, and watching football or golf on TV. He had a soft spot for fudgesicles—something his granddaughter Finley never forgot, often asking if she could have “one of Grandpa’s chocolate popsicles.” He was mechanically gifted and believed firmly in repairing farm equipment himself rather than hauling it to a shop. He kept his hands busy with woodworking and crafted many birdhouses, decorative windmills, quilt racks, coffee tables, entertainment centers, and other pieces that family will forever treasure.
Though quiet and easygoing, Steve’s love for his family was deep and unwavering. He was proudly 30 years sober, a milestone that reflected his strength and commitment. He even cut his own hair his entire adult life, never letting anyone else do it. Steve was also an organ donor—a final act of generosity consistent with the life he lived.
Steve, or Peter as all of his close friends would call him, will be remembered for his curiosity, his craftsmanship, his steady presence, and the deep love he held for his family, his land, and the river that ran through it.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Schramm of Auburn, IA; sons Josh Schramm of Early, IA, and Zach (Brittany) Schramm of Carroll, IA; grandchildren: Jacob (Sierra) Schramm, Jaron and Jayden Schramm, Hayden, Hadleigh, Devynn, and Finley Schramm; great-grandchildren Olive, Desmond, and Bennett Schramm; sisters: Sandy (Ed) Schmitt of Early, IA, Sherrie (Will) Malmborg of Washington, Sydney (Jim) Barber of Alta, IA, and Sue (Roger) Vandenberg of Alta, IA; brother-in-law Rick (Michelle) Babcock of Wabasha, MN; sisters-in-law Becky (Pat) Reis of Odebolt, IA, LuAnn (Kirk) Marcum of Clarinda, IA, and Marilyn Babcock of Ankeny, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Betty Schramm; parents-in-law Austin and Emma Babcock; sister-in-law Peggy Babcock; niece Marilyn Schmitt; and infant nephew Scott James Barber.
