Stephen James Noland, 58, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Kavanagh House after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Iles Funeral Home - Westover Chapel in Des Moines. The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 15th 2010 at the funeral home followed by burial at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair, Iowa.
Stephen was born April 12, 1951, to Charles and Mary (Silletto) Noland of Adair, Iowa. He graduated from Adair-Casey High School, Northwestern Missouri State College, Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, and Drake University. Stephen's professional career as an RN at Iowa Methodist Medical Center spanned over 26 years in numerous departments; Critical Care Units, Emergency Room, as an EMS Coordinator, Life Flight Program manager, and as an educator. In 2005, he had the wonderful opportunity to work as Polk County's Assistant Disaster Coordinator; a position he enjoyed and loved. He was a member of the Iowa EMS Association as a charter member, board member, and state treasurer.
He loved being outdoors and savored every moment especially at the family farm. He hated the Fall when his Beaverdale trees shed their leaves and raking would commence. Stephen was an avid gun collector, gun show enthusiast and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. His hobbies ranged from over priced shopping trips to Lowe's, watching CNN news and landscaping the lawn with his devout companion, his Shar-pei, Ming by his side. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all especially those closest to him.
Stephen was an amazing man and for him family and friends were paramount. Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 27 years, Lori; daughter, Emily Elizabeth of Des Moines, daughter-in-law, Monica Noland of Colorado Springs, Colorado, his father Charles Noland of Adair, Iowa, mother-in-law, Betty Conley of Des Moines, siblings; Carey (Teresa) Noland of Adair, Iowa, Jeff Noland of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Nancy (Bill) Antisdel of Anita, Iowa, Judi Schmidt of Adair, Iowa, and a host of close relatives and friends.
Stephen was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father-in-law, Dr. James F. Conley and his precious son, Lucas James.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dan Allen, Dr. Robert Behrens, Dr. George Lederhaas, Dr. Jim Faust, Dr.Gerald Baker, Dr. John Ghrist, Dr. Andy Nish, Rev. Lyle Greiner, all staff of John Stoddard Cancer Center, Powell 3, PACU, Polk County Emergency Management team, and the Kavanagh House for their compassionate care and support of Stephen and his family during this difficult journey.
The family has respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Kavanagh House 900 56th Street, Des Moines Iowa 50312.
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