Stephen R. Halder – age 73, of Varina, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, Iowa.

Stephen Raymond Halder was born September 28, 1947, in Laurens, Iowa. He was the son of Lawrence and Mary (Toninato) Halder. Steve attended St. Columbkille Catholic grade school in Varina and graduated from Pocahontas Catholic High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. After serving in the Army, Steve worked at Iowa Industrial Hydraulics in Pocahontas. On June 27, 1970, Steve was united in marriage to Janice Nagengast in Varina, Iowa. The couple lived on various farms in the area before settling on the Halder family farm near Varina. In 1970, Steve began farming full time and working as a carpenter. He had recently retired.

Steve was a member of the St. Columbkille Catholic Church where he served on the church board for several years. He was also a member of the Laurens V.F.W., served as Dover Township Trustee and was on the Dover Township Fire Department for 35 years, 10 of which he served as Chief. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, spending time with family and following his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Janice; daughter, Nancy (Randy) Robbins of Rembrandt; sons, Jeff (Karen) Halder of Fonda and Terry (special friend Kim Robinson) Halder of Mitchellville; grandchildren, Stephenie (Mason) Sangwin, Tyler (special friend Abbie Wilson) Robbins, Trevor Robbins, Chandler Robbins, Jacob Halder, Lucas Halder, Carson Kruse, Natalia Lee-Halder and Amelia Lee-Halder; great-grandchildren, Stetson Sangwin and Baby Sangwin; siblings, Dennis (Sharon) Halder, Judy (Ed) King, Beverly (Bill) Newman, Paul (Chris) Halder, Pauline Boatright, Tom (Sue) Halder, Jane (Jim) Echtenkamp, Joann (Steve) Rock, Susan (Pat) Peck, Kathy (Larry) Schulte, Bill (Lynette) Halder, Louis (Karen) Halder, Alan (Lesa) Halder and John (Cindy) Halder; mother-in-law, Ruth Nagengast; brother-in-law, Jim (Theda) Nagengast, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary; infant son, Michael; infant granddaughters, Brittney and Bethany Robbins; brother, Mark and father-in-law, Jacob Nagengast.