Steven Scott Lundberg

Steven Scott Lundberg, 69, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Steve was born on March 24, 1956, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Garth and Edith Lundberg, joining his older brother, Alan, and sister, Sandy, who took great pride in looking out for him. From an early age, Steve had a gift for connecting with people—he never met a stranger and, in many ways, was a father to all. Everyone seemed to know his name, and he was known for his warmth, humor, and easygoing nature. During his years working for the City of Des Moines, a resident once wrote in recognition of Steve, noting that he was always “ready with a smile, nod, or quick wave” on his route, and that he would even toot his truck horn “to the pure delight of our visiting grandkids.”

Steve was raised in Des Moines and worked at Dahl’s Grocery Store throughout high school. He spent those years—and the years shortly after—surrounded by good friends, including Mike Brandsfield, Steve Hansen, Rich Hansen, Larry Johnson, and many others from the Villa Vista neighborhood. He graduated from East High School in 1974 and went on to drive for American Freight before beginning a long career with the City of Des Moines Solid Waste Department, where he eventually retired as a refuse collector. As a refuse collector, he was well known for his talent for “curb raiding”—returning to places where items had been thrown away and bringing home treasures for his family, from bikes for the boys to lawn mowers, snowblowers, and even a dirt bike for his grandson, Nash. Steve was also a proud member of the Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge #98.

Some of Steve’s favorite early memories were made during summers at Lake Okoboji with family and friends, enjoying swimming, scuba diving, and skiing. He also cherished traveling the countryside on his motorcycle with his brother and Mike, attending car shows, and taking trips with Rich—memories filled with laughter, open roads, and stories that lasted a lifetime.

In June of 1984, Steve married Shelly Sissel, and together they raised two sons, Adam (born 1988) and Austin (born 1991). Family was always at the center of Steve’s life. He was also a devoted son-in-law to Shelly’s parents, Geno and Helen Sissel, who thought the world of him. Steve was a loving and dedicated father who shared his passions for Harleys, cars, and four-wheelers with his boys. He helped with homework, stayed active in their activities, and truly enjoyed spending time with them and their friends. He also thought of Ryan Morelock as a son.

In later years, Steve created many meaningful memories with both his sons and their families. When Adam and Katie, and later Austin and Liz, began building their lives together, Steve welcomed Katie and Liz with open arms and made them feel like family from the very beginning. He loved having them included in his life and circle and enjoyed many good times together at gatherings with longtime friends at Hilltop and the Elks Lodge.

Steve was especially proud to be “Papa” to his grandsons, Nash and Noxx. He adored them deeply. Nash loved when Papa picked him up from school for movie outings or trips to Casey’s for snacks, followed by movie nights at home. Papa and Nash shared many special playdates at McDonald’s and picnics at the Rocket Slide in Union Park. Steve delighted in spoiling Nash with motor scooters, four-wheelers, and fun toys—they were great buddies.

Long before becoming Papa, Steve was also a steady and loving presence in the life of his great-niece, Alina, and took great joy in watching her grow and being there for her through the years.

Steve deeply valued time spent with his nephews, Kevin and Brian. In recent years, he especially enjoyed sharing dinners and visits with family, including time spent with Kevin and Kevin’s partner, Ashley.

In more recent years, Steve shared a close and meaningful companionship with Carol Messerschmidt. Together they enjoyed exploring Iowa’s state and national parks, camping, hiking, watching wildlife—especially eagles and deer—and simply taking in the scenery and spending time together.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Garth and Edith Lundberg; his sister, Sandy Mandergill; his parents-in-law, Geno and Helen Sissel; his sisters-in-law, Janice Lundberg and Carolyn Elkin; his aunts and uncles, George and Dorothy Lundberg, Clayton Lundberg, and Helen Hedlund; and his cousin, John Lundberg.

Steve is survived by his brother, Alan Lundberg of Des Moines; his sons, Adam Lundberg (Katie Linnane) of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and Austin Lundberg (Liz) of Adel, Iowa; his beloved grandsons, Nash and Noxx Lundberg; his dear friend and companion, Carol Messerschmidt of Des Moines; his nephews, Kevin Lundberg of Bondurant and Brian Lundberg of Pleasant Hill; Shelly Davis, the loving mother of his children, of Des Moines; his brother-in-law, Darle Elkin of Webster City; his niece and nephew, Gina and Brad Adam; his great-niece, Alina Adam of West Des Moines; and his nieces and nephews of the Shelton family—BaLinda Shelton, Garth Shelton, Tony Shelton, and Terry Shelton—and their families.

A Celebration of Life to honor Steve will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Des Moines Elks Lodge #98, 5420 NE 12th Avenue, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the National Park Foundation or a veterans charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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