Stephan J. Baxter, 59, of Alta died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Alta.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Stephan John Baxter was born Oct. 23, 1964, to Jim and Joan (Warnock) Baxter in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was baptized as an infant in Hawaii. In 1979, Stephen confirmed his faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Alta. He attended Alta Community School, graduating in 1983. Stephan served in the Army National Guard from July 28, 1986, until July 27, 2001.
On Aug. 22, 1987, Stephan was united in marriage to Donna Specketer at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover. They were blessed with four children: Jahred, Sarah, Jacob and Joshua.
Stephan was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover where he served as usher. In his free time, Stephan enjoyed drawing, painting, carving, smithing and reading. He loved card games and working around the home. You could find Stephan building things, fishing, hunting, target shooting and going to gun shows. He also enjoyed scuba diving and golfing. More than anything, Stephen treasured time with his children and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Stephan is survived by his wife Donna Baxter of Alta; children: Jahred Baxter of Humboldt; Sarah Baxter of Omaha, Neb.; Jacob Baxter of Storm Lake; Joshua Baxter of Ames; mother Joan Warnock of Sallisaw, Okla.; brother David Baxter of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters: Stephanie Nelson (Rusty Lacey) of Sallisaw, Okla.; Kym Baxter of British, Columbia; Shannon Baxter (Maurico Pearla) of Sioux Falls, S.D.; half-brother Jimmie Baxter of Arizona; many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Jim Baxter; parents-in-law, Dwaine and Chloe Specketer; and nephew Darey Baxter.