Obituary of Steven John Buren

    Steven John “Barney” Buren, son of John and Carolyn (Ver Hoef) Buren, was born on June 22, 1955 at Sheldon, IA. He spent his youth around Sanborn, IA where he attended Sanborn Community School, graduating with the class of 1973. Following high school, Barney furthered his education at NITC in Sheldon, IA, with a major in accounting.

    On May 1, 1987, Barney was united in marriage to Mary Lynne “Lindy” Stowell at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn. They made their home in Sanborn and raised their family there. Barney was employed with D & H Motors in Sheldon, IA before working for Darryl’s Decorating located in Sanborn. He learned the finer points of finishing woodwork and all kinds of painting techniques from Darryl, eventually starting his own business, Buren Painting. The caboose in the city park - representing Sanborn’s railroad history - and the municipal swimming pool, were both painting projects Barney completed.

     When he had his brushes cleaned up for the day, Barney could focus his attention on his favorite thing – sports! Over the years he had played on a golf league and several bowling leagues in Sanborn, as well as men’s softball teams out of Ashton and Primghar, IA. If he couldn’t play it, he’d watch it – particularly the Chicago Bears and the NY Yankees.

    From 1990 to 1995, he and Lindy also owned and operated the OK Rec located in Sanborn. Each year they sponsored the “Ugly Bartender” contest (Understanding - Generous - Loveable - You), raising $70,000 in a five-year period for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iowa; second highest turnout in the state. Following a stroke in 2013, Barney sold his painting business but remained active as a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn and the Onyx Lodge #419 and the Scottish Rite. Free time found him working crossword and jigsaw puzzles or watching Jeopardy and old westerns on TV. Of course, sports was still first and foremost, so many hours were spent searching E-Bay for hot sports memorabilia.

    Barney passed from this life on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the age of 67. Survivors include his wife, Lindy Buren of Sanborn, IA; stepchildren: James Carney of Denison, IA, Joshua (Caresa) Carney of Sanborn, IA, and Krista Ewoldt of Jefferson, GA; five stepgrandchildren: Nesari, Cayle, Elliot, Nichelle, and Elizabeth; three stepgreat-grandchildren: Elsie, Emmit, and Brooks; his brother, Jerry Buren of Sanborn, IA; other relatives and friends.