Elias Rhodes Steffen left the arms of his parents and ran into the arms of Jesus on March 10, 2025, while at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Elias was born on August 7, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa to the parents of Kyle and TaNisha (Dunlavy) Steffen, both of Bloomfield, Iowa. He completed his family by joining his sister, Everleigh, and brother, Leo. When given a chance to choose his name, his sister picked out Elias, and his brother gave him the nickname, “Spidey.”
Even though Elias’s time here on earth was short, he made a lasting impact that will leave a void in the hearts of so many. He was so loved by his family and extended family, as well as his doctors, nurses, and medical staff at the University of Iowa SFCH. His impact can also be seen by the army of community members wearing their “Spidey” shirts. Although he was never able to leave the hospital, he brought people together in prayer and led others to the Lord our God. He is a perfect example that “No foot is too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.”
Elias shared his soul through his big brown eyes. He also shared his personality with his famous side eye that his family likes to call his look of approval. That personality was on full display the minute he was born. His mom refers to him as the grumpiest baby she has ever seen. Despite the grumpiness, he melted hearts with his toothless smile framed by his big round cheeks. With his big brown eyes, round cheeks, and grumpiness, came the strength of a true warrior. This strength got him through two open heart surgeries and many other medical interventions.
Elias was survived in death by his parents Kyle and TaNisha, siblings, Everleigh and Leo, grandparents Gary and Trudi Dunlavy of Bloomfield, and Jim and Tracy Steffen of Indianola, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents, friends, and his PICU family at the University of Iowa SFCH.
He was welcomed into Heaven by the many family members who passed before him.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Bloomfield Christian Church with Pastor Don Naftz officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the Bloomfield Christian Church. A memorial has been established to Dollars for Scholars. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements.
