Stephen "Steve" Kula, age 71, died Monday, December 23, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 10:30 morning Friday, December 27, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairieburg with interment at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday, December 26 at the Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello where a parish Vigil Service will be held at 2:30. Fr. Wayne Droessler will officiate the services. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at goettschonline.com Cards may be sent to Goettsch Funeral Home. 514 West First St., Monticello, Iowa, 52310. Surviving are two daughters Teresa (Bob) Wright, Toddville, Carol (Tomas Mendez) Kula, Iowa City, a granddaughter, Allie Wright, his brother, Joe (Nola) Kula, Conifer, CO., three sisters, Patsy (Denny) Russell, Prairieburg, Susan (Ray) Frischkorn, Cedar Rapids, Mary Theresa "Bobbi" (Jon) Harris, St. Louis, Missouri and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Stephen Francis Kula was born May 21, 1942 in Clinton, Iowa. He was the son of Stanley Francis and Margaret Kathryn (Gassen) Kula. Steve received his early education at St. Joseph Catholic School in Prairieburg. He was a 1960 graduate of Central City High School were he was a proud member of the Future Farmers of America. After graduation he joined the Untied States Army National Guard training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He married Katherine "Kay" Simmons on September 11, 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. . The couple settled in Prairieburg where they raised hogs from farrow to finish; and grew corn and soybean crops. Kay preceded him in death on August 23, 1975. While farming, Steve also worked construction as a member of the Laborers' International Union of North America for over 30 years. He was employed by Paulson Construction Company of Cedar Rapids and Abild Construction of Marion among others working on major building projects in the area until his retirement in 2000. Steve later married Gerianne Walker on May 22, 1997 in Anamosa, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2000. Steve was both an active resident of Prairieburg and a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Throughout the years he volunteered often helping both the community and parish. Among many things in life, he enjoyed reading, being outdoors, keeping up with current events, listening to classic country music, collecting tractors, and visiting with friends and family.