Harry B. Stever, 82, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at his home. In accordance with Harry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A family celebration honoring his life will be held at a later date. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to the Fairfield Evergreen Cemetery Endowment Fund or please consider taking the time to do something kind for
someone who may need it, just as Harry always did.
Harry B. Stever was born on January 7, 1944, in Fairfield, IA to George and Eva Reighard Stever. He was a 1962 graduate of Fairfield High School and went on to attend Parsons College, graduating in 1965. He began law school before returning home to Fairfield, where he worked for Dexter Laundry, Inc. as personnel director.
In 1980, Harry and his brothers started Stever Sanitation in Fairfield. Through their work, they became the first city sanitation service in the state of Iowa to offer curbside recycling. Harry eventually retired and sold the company to Waste Management.
Harry married Gay Chapman in 1965 and became the loving father of four boys: John, Bryce, Joe, and Bryon. Harry and Gay later went their separate ways, and Harry found lifelong friendship with Mona Adam. They remained by each other’s side until her death in 2004.
In his free time, Harry enjoyed restoring old motorcycles and anything that allowed him to be outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and spending time on the river. He had a great love for reading about all things but, especially History, the American West, & anything by Mark Twain, Robert Frost, or Patrick McManus. Harry was devoted to his community and served as president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in 1989. His favorite holiday was the 4 th of July which always included time with family and friends. He was known for his generous heart and always had a good piece of advice, whether you needed it or not. He will be deeply missed by his family, his community, and the many friends he made along the way.
Harry was preceded in death by his son; Bryce Stever; his close friend and companion in life, Mona Adam; two siblings, Frank Stever and Margaret “Bucky” Parker, & his parents George & Eva Stever. Left to honor his memory are his children, John (Lori) Stever, Joe (Joni) Stever, and Bryon (Jen) Stever, all of Fairfield; nine grandchildren, Brooke (Joseph) Hietpas, Gavin (Rachael) Stever, Drew (Paige) Stever, Tanner (Hanna) Schafer, Grace (Jacob Ihle) Stever, Chloe Stever, Sophie Stever, Ellie Stever, and Lane Stever; six great-grandchildren, his siblings Mary (Tom) Terrill, Ralph (Sandy) Stever, Kathy (Bill) Kiddoo, & Cynthia (John ) Thompson, as well as many extended family and friends.
