Steve Langerud, of Grinnell, Iowa, a generous, patient, kind, creative, funny, compassionate, and loving husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, and treasured friend, died unexpectedly at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was 67.

Whatever you needed, including and maybe especially dad jokes, Steve provided. He lived his life in service to others, whether he was career counseling young people, making creative meals for his friends and family, helping gardens grow, landing a perfectly timed joke to ease tension, sharing his huge collection of music, experiencing life with his cherished granddaughter, or simply listening to and caring about what people had to say. If you needed him, he made time for you and expected nothing in return.

Steve was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles and Georgia (Agan) Langerud, on March 10, 1959, the older brother to siblings David and Tom. Steve graduated from Forest City High School in Iowa, where he played basketball. His trick from those days, spinning a basketball on not just his finger, but almost any nearby object including a pen while he wrote or a fork while he ate, was lifetime entertainment for his kids and friends.

After high school, Steve attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He studied anthropology, traveling to France for an archeological dig. After graduating, he ventured to Vail, Colorado to work the ski season and bike as much as possible. He returned to UNI for grad school, with the goal of becoming a career counselor. He worked at Grinnell College, the University of Iowa Law School and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, before closing out his 40-year career at Mayflower Community. His mission was to make an impact on as many people as possible, and he did this in multiple ways at Grinnell, including setting up an alumni network matching current students with helpful alums in similar fields. Steve was a master at connecting people. And he was passionate about your passion.

While in grad school, Steve met Karen Veerhusen in their Educational Research class. Class members took turns bringing treats, and Steve impressed Karen by bringing homemade baked goods when it was his turn. They were married August 9, 1986, in Forest City in the family garden. Daughter Emma was born in July 1992, followed by son John in October 1999. He was a magnificent father, instilling in his kids the value of being a good listener, and a good citizen. His impact on their lives is immeasurable.

A devoted audiophile, Steve had over 5,000 vinyl record albums, and sought only the best speakers, including some custom builds. He taped off a "sweet spot" in his living room and delighted in having listeners sit there to experience the best sound from his gear. His love for music, especially jazz and Neil Young, took him to an endless list of concerts with his family.

Known as a voracious reader, Steve relished visits to libraries. He could talk to anyone about anything, since he was incredibly well-read. Half of his enormous collection of books were cookbooks, with worn pages and favorites highlighted. Steve adored cooking for everyone. Hours were spent making pasta with his granddaughter Marley. The two of them loved to experiment; if they peeled apples, they turned into apple crisp. Nothing was out of the question in Steve's kitchen. His family rarely went out for dinner because his food was the best in town, especially his burgers. Baking breads was another of his specialties. Those treats he brought to class with Karen were just the beginning.

Despite his love of travel, including countless bike tours near and far, Steve's favorite place was home. A perfect day for him was some reading, music, biking, time in the garden and kitchen, and pampering his beloved family members.

Steve's legacy was that he sought to bring out the best in everyone, and to make people feel good about themselves. His trademark was to encourage with kindness. To be his friend was life changing. And once you were his friend, it was for good. He stayed in touch. Students from past years visited him often. His college roommates Mark and Freddy were at his side at the hospital in Iowa City. His family is overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of comments on his online obituary, such as "his leadership was never just about progress or strategy—it was about people, community, and doing things the right way. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and humanity that will continue to influence us for years to come. He will be deeply missed by all of us." That's exactly who he was and what he meant to those who knew him.

Steve will be forever missed by his wife of 39 years, Karen; daughter Emma Langerud (Jake Tuel), son John Langerud; adoring granddaughter Marley Wiese; brothers David and Tom; mother Georgia Langerud; extended family members Nick and Atalie Wiese and their daughter, Lennon; and scores of friends.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home, 1103 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112, 641-236-3134.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate designated memorials to any of the following: Mayflower Community Human Needs Endowment Fund, Mayflower Community, Attn: Pam Vosburg, 616 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112; Imagine Grinnell, 1510 Penrose Street, P.O. Box 284, Grinnell, IA 50112; Prairie Burn 100, 641-236-5518; or Drake Community Library, 930 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Steve's family online at www.smithfh.com.

"Be interested, not interesting." Steve Langerud