Stephen D. Barber, 33 of Keosauqua died at 11:37 P.M. on Thursday April 15, 2021 at University of Hospital in Iowa City. He was born December 5, 1987 in Keosauqua to Rodger S. Barber and Ida Bontrager. He lived in Keosauqua with his parents and younger sister. He graduated from Van Buren High School; Class of 2006.
Stephen was an introverted person to most, but to those he was closest to he was smart, had a great sense of humor and a strong determination. He was well liked by those around him for his easy-going nature and people would often reach out to him for his knowledge of computers and new technology. He loved nothing more than fast internet and a good video game.
Stephen grew up loving shows, movies and video games that had themes of fighting and heroism. He would race home from school to watch his favorite characters and would put himself in the stories. Despite his love for fighting when he was younger, he was always a sweet kid. As he got older he became a lot more thoughtful and enjoyed things that made him think. He took pride in figuring things out on his own and loved puzzles and mystery. His favorite subject was math and was very good with numbers. He had great humor his whole life and spent a lot of his time making or finding things to make himself and others around him laugh. Most of all he was an amazing uncle and loved his nieces very much. He loved to learn almost as much as he loved sharing what he knew with others. It made him an ideal first teacher, a skill he picked up from being a big brother. If he was still with us, he would continue being the best teacher he could for those girls. He was very beloved by everyone in his family.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Rodger Barber and Ida Bontrager of Keosauqua, two brothers, Brandon and Brett Barber both of Keosauqua, a sister, Kristina Barber of Cedar Rapids, an uncle, Dennis Barber of Keosauqua, an aunt, Milinda Barber of Keosauqua, three nieces, Lily, Hope and Breelyn Barber and cousins, Kilbourne Barber, Margi Chambers and husband Cody Chambers. He was preceded in death his grandparents, Alma Bontrager and John and Margaret Barber.
In accordance with his wishes his body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. Gifts to a memorial to be designated later by the family may be sent to 302 Water Street, Keosauqua, IA 52565. Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com