Steven Eugene Gunzenhauser

Marengo - Steven Eugene Gunzenhauser was born August 13, 1960, in Marengo, Iowa, the son of Eugene “Motor” and Donna Rae (Gove) Gunzenhauser. He was active in scouting as a youth and was a standout athlete in high school. He grew up on the Iowa River. Steve graduated from Iowa Valley High School in 1979. Shortly after graduation, he reported for boot camp with his best friend, Lance Olson, for the U.S. Navy.

Following training, he reported to the USS Tarawa as a hull tech/firefighter where he served alongside his brother, Scott. Steve was united in marriage to Polly Jean Waldschmidt on November 26, 1983 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Seth in 1991 and Clay in 1995. Steve and Polly continued serving in the United States Navy until his retirement in 1998. His service included tours on the USS Tarawa, USS Fox, and USS Constellation. He was a surface warfare and expeditionary warfare specialist. He also served as Leading Chief Petty Officer for the Fleet Deceptive Tactics Group Pacific, the Command and Control Warfare Group Pacific, and the Fleet Information Warfare Detachment Pacific.

Steve and Polly moved their family back to Marengo in 1998 and he became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2022. Following this second career, he began his third with his Capper family. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, and canoeing. He was an avid buckskinner and black powder rifle shooter. He was a member of the American Legion Post #76 and the Iowa Long Rifles. He was a die hard and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He and Polly enjoyed traveling with friends they called their chosen family and hosting a great campfire. He loved riding his motorcycle and spent many fine hours on trips with Polly, Scott and Jill, Amy and Steve, and other great friends and cruising with his Cousin Bob. He was above all this, a proud and loving husband and father. His best moments were with Polly, spending time with his boys, and their families. Steve died Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo, IA at the age of 65 years following an accident.

He is survived by his Wife, Polly; Mother-in-Law, Isabella Walschmidt of Mercedes, TX; Sons, Seth (Cassy) Gunzenhauser of Marengo and Clay (Alondra) Gunzenhauser of Mesa, AZ; Brother, Scott (Jill) Gunzenhauser and his Nephew, Given Gunzenhauser of Ozark, MO; Sister-in-law, Amy (Steve) McCaw of Marengo, IA, and many dear cousins and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, with Pastor Thomas Van Hemert officiating. Burial will be at the Bishop Cemetery, with military rites by American Legion Post #76. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the American Legion Hall in Marengo. A memorial fund has been established for the American Legion Post #76. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Steve and his family.

Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com