STEPHEN MATTHEW OELWEIN SCHREITMUELLER, 56 of Ames died on Saturday, July 7 at his home. Private family services will be held at a later date in the Oelwein Cemetery. Stephen was born on January 24, 1956 in Austin, Minnesota, to Sylvester Matthew and Ruth (Nill) Schreitmueller. He was a 1973 graduate of East High School in Waterloo, 1978 graduate of Luther College and obtained his master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. On August 1, 1976, Stephen was united in marriage to Julie Ann Gorder in Iowa Falls. As a family therapist Steve was able to help many people throughout his career while employed at the Department of Human Services, Lutheran Social Services, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Clinical Associates of Ames, Broadlawns Medical Center, and Magellan Behavioral Services. He was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Steve loved to read, listen to music, and brought a unique outlook on life to friends and family. From dumpster diving to exploring the world and the world of food, Steve's joie de vivre was admired by those who were fortunate enough to have shared in his adventures. Left to mourn him are a daughter, Sarah Michelle Oelwein Schreitmueller, a son, James Andrew Gorder Schreitmueller, his ex-wife, JULIE (GORDER) SCHREITMUELLER ‘77, all of Ames; his father Rev. Sylvester (Darleen) Schreitmueller of Owatonna, Minn.; two sisters Rev. Kathryn Schreitmueller of Green Bay, Wis., and KRISTIN (SCHREITMUELLER) MEIER ’72 (TIM MEIER ’73) of Owatonna, Minn.; a niece Kara, and two nephews Mark and Matthew. His mother, Ruth, and sister, KAREN SCHREITMUELLER ’73, precede him in death. A memorial fund has been established in loving memory of Stephen for EWALU Camp and Retreat Center in Strawberry Point, Iowa, and On With Life, Inc. in Ankeny, Iowa. Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada, Iowa, was entrusted with the care of Stephen and his family.