VAN HORNE: Steven James Gibney, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following respiratory failure.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, with Rev. Nick March as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Norway. A Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to: The Gibney Memorial Fund, 506 8th Street, Van Horne, IA 52346.

Steven was born on October 20, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, the son of James Gibney Jr. and Germaine (Deeny) Gibney. As a young child, Steve was raised on a farm outside Vinton. When he was in fifth grade, his family moved to a farm near Norway and Newhall. He graduated from Norway High School with the class of 1966 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University in 1971. Steven served his country in the Army Reserves from 1970 through 1976.

On November 30, 1970, he was united in marriage to Sandra Schafbuch at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames. Together, Steve and Sandi built a life centered around family, faith, and community.

Following college graduation, Steve began his career with Standard Oil Company as an agent in Britt, Iowa. He eventually purchased the business and established Gibney Oil Company. His years in Britt were filled with hard work, community involvement, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In 1980, Steve and Sandi returned home to Benton County to be closer to family. They raised their four children on a farm near Newhall and Norway. Steve was employed by Ottsen Oil Company for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of roles while also serving as Chairman of the Amoco LBU National Distributor Advisory Council. Steve always put his customers first and considered many of them close personal friends.

The highlight of Steve’s retirement was farming alongside his son, Ryan. Agriculture was woven into the fabric of Steve’s life, and he had a lifelong commitment to conservation, land stewardship, and protecting farmland for generations to come. Steve always had a long list of projects he wanted to accomplish and was never shy about enlisting the help of family members. “How much time you got?” was a familiar question.

Through the years, Steve enjoyed restoring gas engines and antique tractors and participating in area Tractorcades with his father and son. Among his most prized possessions was his first tractor, a 1970 John Deere 4020. He also enjoyed the excitement of motorsports, attending NASCAR races, the Indianapolis 500, and the Knoxville Nationals. He took great pride in owning a Heritage Farm and enjoyed researching his family genealogy. Steve was an active member of his church and served as a council member at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

Steve treasured attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, from sporting events and Boy Scouts to school functions, 4-H, and FFA. He was always eager to provide opportunities for his family to experience agriculture and participate in livestock projects. He supported their interests and celebrated their accomplishments.

Steve and Sandi cherished many traditions throughout their years together, including annual trips to the Iowa State Fair, summers in Branson, Missouri, and winters in Vero Beach, Florida. They also enjoyed attending Iowa State football games together for more than 50 years.

Steve was generous by nature and deeply committed to giving back. He was especially passionate about supporting organizations that served children and veterans. He carried his Irish heritage with great pride, and his Irish humor with him wherever he went.

Steven is survived by his wife, Sandi; his children, Shane (Diane) Gibney of Independence, Julie (Aaron) Volesky of Newhall, Katie (Dave) Parra of Vero Beach, Florida, and Ryan (Tammy) Gibney of Van Horne; 11 grandchildren, Jacob, Cameron, and Morgan Gibney; Bodee and Shelby Volesky; Carson and Lauren Parra; and AJ, Kenzi, Beckett, and Layton Gibney; and his brother, Wayne (Carmen) Gibney of Atkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family extends its gratitude to Rita Taylor-Stewart and the staff of Van Horne Family Medical Clinic for always being there when needed. A special thank you is extended to the Mayo Clinic and its extraordinary team for the exceptional care they provided to Steve throughout his lifetime.