Jason "Jay" John Steger

Jason John "Jay" Steger, 38, of Greeley, Iowa, was a father, life partner, son, sibling, coworker, and friend to all. On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, Jay was working outdoors doing what he loved when he passed away from injuries sustained in a logging accident.

Jay was born on March 24, 1981, in Dubuque, to Keith and Judy Steger. Jay was raised in the Edgewood area and graduated from Ed-Co High School in 2000. Since he was 16, Jay worked his summers at Kendrick Forest Products, and after graduation, he joined the team full time. Jay’s eagerness to learn, his work ethic, and his positive attitude helped him advance to many positions in the milling operation before becoming a full-time logger for the company.

Jay found complete happiness in life with his three children who will miss him dearly; Reghan Steger (15), Truex Steger (13), and David Steger (1). Jay lived in Greeley with his girlfriend and David’s mother, Shanny Girot.

Jay was always on the move helping out family and friends and living life to the fullest.  His love for horses, demolition derby’s, racing, helping on the farm, and visiting the purchasing garage were filled with moments those around him will remember forever.  With his contagious smile and heart of gold, he was the one friends and family called when they needed help and when they wanted to tip a few back. Jay was sharp, driven, mechanically minded, and always full-speed ahead, which was why he loved his time spent at Echo Valley in West Union participating in the 2-man cruiser races. Jay was a guy who loved to make people smile. He loved his family and friends, and he loved living life.

Along with his parents, Keith and Judy Steger; girlfriend, Shanny Girot; and children, Reghan, Truex, and David Steger, Jay is survived by his siblings, Jeremy (Becky) Steger of Edgewood, Jessica (Todd) Bildstein of Dyersville, Kristina (Jeremy) Hillers of Colesburg, Joshua (Amy) Steger of Manchester, Karie (Nick) Miller of Edgewood, and Kraig Steger of Dyersville; paternal grandparents, Robert and Lillian Steger of Dyersville; and 11 nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Jay in death were his maternal grandparents, Don and Gladys Steger; an aunt, Lori Meyer; and an uncle, Mark Steger.

As we begin to experience a new life with our loss, we can find comfort in knowing that Jay’s spirit is still here and will live on through all of us. So in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you continue to crack jokes, tell stories, smile, and help each other out. We know that Jaybird is watching over us all, and that’s what he would want us to do.

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