There are people you will meet in your lifetime who are unforgettable. You'll always remember them because of the impression they've made whether good or bad. Steve, "Payne", or "Pod" as most would call him, was one of those people. He left an impression wherever he went as he was quite the character around the Scotch Grove - Monticello area. Steve rode his vintage bicycle everywhere and was often seen riding his bicycle with grocery bags hung on the handlebars and on the back of the seat.

It was no secret that Steve had significant struggles and difficult challenges most of his life. There were a handful of people who Steve trusted and he cared deeply for them. Steve was definitely a survivor and certainly protected by God.

Steve was also described as physically strong, independent, eccentric, resistant, witty, comical, unique, and highly intelligent in a quantum physics sort of way.

There were days when life and alcohol got the best of him. However, for the majority of his days, he was polite, stood with integrity  and was poetically eloquent. Steve was recognized by many, appreciated by few, and truly seen & known by one — God.

Steve will be dearly missed…

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Steven Mark Payne was born February 10, 1951 at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, Iowa.   He was the son of Vernon and Bernice Albang Payne.  He graduated from the Monticello Community Schools.  Steve worked at Weers Implement in Monticello and Balsters Implement in Scotch Grove.

He is survived by a brother Clifford, his sister Sherrie and special friends of the community. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Robert, Roger, John, Kenneth and 2 infant sisters.   Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello took Steven into their care.

Donations in Steve's Memory can be made to: NAMI Dubuque, National Alliance on Mental Illness For NAMI Mental Health Programs in Jones County
225 W6th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563)557-6264
nami@namidubuque.org

Click this link to donate: https://www.namidubuque.org/donate

You may also drop off donations to NAMI at Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello to be forwarded.