Steve was not only a son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend, he was a man who embraced life with love and passion. His passion for life touched the lives of so many from his childhood days growing up in Spencer, to his time on the family farm and his days as a college student at the University of Iowa. After college he returned to his roots and developed a passion for organic farming and sustainable living.
Growing up Steve was first introduced to art by his beloved Grandma Nettie Chalstrom. Nettie not only introduced Steve to art but also gave him lessons and guided him to develop his own artistic ability. Steve not only developed skills for art at a young age but also his natural talent for sports. He embraced being a Spencer Tiger wholeheartedly, excelling at football, basketball, and baseball.
Steve blossomed intellectually at the University of Iowa where he studied finance and accounting. Steve thrived in the college environment where he became a guy that everyone seemed to know and love. In this chapter of his life he met friends that embraced many of the same passions for life as he did and who became his support system through many of his life's endeavors. During this time in his life you would rarely see Steve without a book in his hand, always seeking new knowledge and understanding of life.
After college Steve soon realized that his true love was not the business world, but a deeper calling that brought him back to his roots and love of farming and outdoors. He was passionate about feeding the world in a sustainable and healthy way. His travels in pursuit of organic farming knowledge led him many places across the country and overseas. His journey began on an organic farm in Oregon where the roots of his passion began to grow. Next he was accepted to the prestigious Green String Institute in California where he learned more advanced concepts in sustainable farming and agriculture. Steve planned on one day using these experiences to help carry on the legacy of the Chalstrom Farm alongside his Dad, Uncle and Cousins.
Steve recently began working in a career that encapsulated many of his strengths and talents both in agriculture and business, working as a social media director for an organic foods company. This new passion embodied all that was Steve including his magnetic social skills, eloquent creative writing, and his love of working with people. Steve was blossoming in this new career and had generated many ideas that were respected amongst his colleagues. All involved agreed that Steve had a bright future with this company.
Steve's heart was a big as the land he travelled and the land he cultivated. He has left a lasting impression on all those he touched along the way. He will be incredibly missed by his family and friends. May we use our memory of Steve to plant as many seeds of joy, peace and love as possible in our own lives.
Steve is lovingly survived by his mother, Jane Chalstrom Jensen, and his father Bruce Chalstrom. Sister Sara Chalstrom. Sister Kristy and Adam Marxen (Elsa, Owen, Drew). Brother Kevin and Tara Tilton (Nile, Daisy). Grandmother Marcine Jensen. Preceded in death by Grandfather Leonard Jensen and Grandparents Nettie and Kenneth Chalstrom. Steve was loved dearly by countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
'Carry the Light'
Though my heart now aches, I will live more joyfully.
Though tears sour my lips, I will smile more kindly.
And though anger courses through my veins, I will love more tenderly.
For what is my sorrow really, but recognition that life is endlessly beautiful?
And to what ends shall I direct my sorrow, if not to help others see this simple truth?
This simple truth, which so many struggle to comprehend, was so effortlessly understood by
our friend.
Written by Fred Capp (AKA Philly Fred)
The family wishes to sincerely thank everyone for their support and love during this extremely difficult time. We feel truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that have offered us a small bit of peace and comfort in the wake of such a tragic loss. We will forever remember the kind words and overwhelming acts of love displayed by all of you. Steve is lucky to have known each of you that played a part in molding him into the beautiful person that he was.
All our love today and always,
Steve's loving family
SERVICES
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer.
OFFICIATING
Rev. Tonna Parsons
CASKET BEARERS
VISITATION
There will be visitation from 6 to 8:00 P.M., Friday with the family present at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer
MUSIC
INTERMENT
Garfield Cemetery
Webb, Iowa
Privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the memorials will be used to purchase trees to be planted in honor of Steve.
A lunch and time of fellowship will be held at the Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Spencer immediately following the memorial services.