Steven J. Leiphart

DULUTH, Minn. - Steven J. Leiphart, 79, of Ironwood, Mich., went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Saturday morning, Aug. 20, 2016, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, with his loving family by his side.

He was born April 9, 1937, in Munising, Mich., son of the late Janel and Jula (Zych) Leiphart, and graduated from high school in Newberry, Mich., in 1955. He then served stateside in the U.S. Army at Fort Polk, La., for two years.

Following his honorable discharge, Steve worked as a supervisor at American Motors in Kenosha, Wis., for many years, moving to Ironwood in 1975. He then was employed as a supervisor at Sellstrom Manufacturing in Ironwood and as a smelter operator at White Pine Copper Co. until his early retirement. In retirement, he was a courier for Aspirus Grand View Health System for the past 10 years.

Steve was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Ironwood and Ironwood American Legion Post 5. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, yard work, Lake Superior fishing, deer hunting, snowmobiling, cooking, baking pies for school fundraisers and his cottage on Pine Lake. He served as a volunteer worker at Copper Peak and enjoyed working at the Gogebic County Fair. He also was a good cribbage player, winning more than losing. A physically strong man, he was known for his firm handshake. Above all, he possessed a servant's heart and was passionate about the needs of others.

On July 22, 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Julianna Kangas at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood by the late Rev. Oliver Hallberg.

Surviving are his wife, Julianna, of 50 years; five children, Adam Leiphart, Ironwood, Anna (Robert) Barnabo, Hurley, Wis., and Andrew (Tracey) Leiphart, Amanda (Kevin) Benner and Aleen (Christopher) Fuchs, all of Ironwood; eight grandchildren, Steven (Mayim) Barnabo, Superior, Wis., Stephanie (Karl) Szyszkoski, Englewood, Colo., Taylor-Jo Kasieta, Emily and Branden Leiphart, Lila and Adeline Benner, and Wilhelmina Fuchs, all of Ironwood; sisters, Donelle (Victor) Mattson, Curtis, Mich., Rita Knierim, Bradenton, Fla., and Ann Jo (Alan) Bitley, Curtis; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tom and Jane Goldsworthy, Wausau, Wis., and Nancy Kangas and Paul Kangas, both of Wakefield, Mich .; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Besides his parents, Steve was predeceased by a sister, Mary Leiphart; niece, Ruth Kangas; and brother-in-law, David Kangas.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 24, at noon, preceded by visitation at 11 a.m., at the Assembly of God Church, 2100 E. Cloverland Drive, Ironwood, with Pastor Mark Ortman officiating.

Committal and interment will follow in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township, where full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall upon return from the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Adam and Andrew Leiphart, Kevin Benner, Christopher Fuchs, and Robert and Steven Barnabo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.