Rev. Steven C. Bang

Rev. Steven Craig Bang, 68, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

A memorial celebration of life was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Derek Crawford officiating.  Inurnment was in Pilot Knob Lutheran Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa.

A memorial visitation was held Friday, Sept. 1, from 5-7 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Samaritans Purse and Zion Lutheran Church in Steve’s memory.

Steven Craig Bang was born May 24, 1955, in Forest City, the son of Wayne and Dorothy (Meling) Bang.  Steve graduated from Forest City High School in the class of 1973.  Steve attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, Wash. and Golden Valley Lutheran College in Minneapolis, Minn.  Steve met Joanie Anderson while serving at the Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Joanie was also on staff.  

On July 14, 1979, Steve was united in marriage to Joanie in Cassville, Mo.  Throughout their married life he served many years in pastoral ministry in numerous communities.  Steve was very handy; he would often take on new house projects in each location to remodel to make it their home. 

Steve served many communities, his pastoral journey led him to St Paul’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, a small community near Zumbrota, Minn., Peace Lutheran, Shell Knob, Mo., Prince of Peace Lutheran, Davenport, Iowa, Sion Lutheran, Lake Mills, Iowa, West Prairie Lutheran, Leland, Iowa, Living Word Lutheran Rogers, AR and currently he was serving Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.  Steve was part of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).  

Steve enjoyed playing guitar, camping and enjoyed he and Joanie’s pets.  Steve was a great caretaker and minister serving people with care and love.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.

Steve is survived by his mother, Dorothy Bang, Forest City; sisters, Gloria Peterson, Forest City, Brenda (Scott) Bartley, Pensacola, Fla.; along with Joanie’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Bang; and his beloved wife, Joan “Joanie” Bang, April 20, 2023.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.