Steven Walters Sr.
Steve was a police officer in Des Moines until his retirement in 1997. He then worked the farm and started a cow/calf operation. Steve continued with farming until December 2019 when radiation from cancer treatment destroyed the nerves in his right leg. He was diagnosed with aggressive prostrate cancer in January 2019. He did have annual checkups for the prostrate but because it was aggressive, he was stage 4 when it was found. Prostrate surgery occurred in April 2019. He had radiation in August 2019 for pain in his back. Additional radiation in October 2019 made him unable to walk/stand. Unable to climb stairs, we sold our farmhouse and 7 acres but kept 70 acres, which was deeded over to Jennifer.
Steve was on hormone treatments until July 2021. He then began chemo treatment. By the end of January 2023, he was unable to continue with chemo. He entered the hospital on 2/7/23 for a bleeding ulcer but continued to decline. After two weeks, the oncology doctor indicated that hospice was our next step. On 2/21/23, Steve was moved to a hospice in the Village, near his home. His health continued to decline rapidly. He passed away very early in the morning on 3/6/23. His funeral was on 3/13/23. He died at 74 years old. Steve was given 18-24 months to live when first diagnosed. He lived four years! His family was grateful for every day with him.