Steven Ray Nerness

Steven Ray Nerness

TAMA-Rev. Steven Ray Nerness, 68, of Tama, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at his home in Tama due to a short illness. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Cambridge Cemetery in Cambridge, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future. Please feel free to leave condolences to the family at www.kruse-phillips.com.

Steven was born on June 7, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Harlan and Jane (Hutson) Nerness.

He graduated from Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa and received his BA in Business Management from the Central Bible College in Springfield, MO.

On August 14, 1971, he married Mary Sorenson at the Assembly of God Church in Nevada, IA.

Steven was a missionary for most of his career to Native American tribes across the country. These included Sioux tribe in SD (where they started the first church on the Little Eagle Reservation), Coushatta tribe in LA, and Meskwaki tribe in IA. Prior to becoming a missionary, he was a Pastor at the Assembly of God Church in Webster City, IA.

Steven was a member of the Mesquakie Celebration Assembly of God Church in Tama where he was a Deacon and Board member. He enjoyed rock hunting, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and knife making.

Survivors include his wife of forty-nine years, Mary of Tama; four children, Steven (Kari) Nerness Jr. of Springfield, MO, Misty Nerness of Tama, Israel (Jonalyn) Nerness of Toledo, and Jacob Nerness of Toledo; his mother, Jane Nerness of Cambridge; five grandchildren, Steven Nerness III, Elizabeth Nerness, Anna, Maya, and Sarah Nerness; two sisters, Rebecca Nerness of Cambridge, and Tammy Nerness of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.