Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Larchwood, IA. A scripture service will begin at 7 p.m.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2019, at the Sanford Pentagon (2210 W Pentagon Pl, Sioux Falls, SD) to be followed with burial in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Alvord, Iowa.
Stephanie Jean (Dorcey) Schreurs, age 60, of Larchwood, Iowa, passed away on August 13, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota after succumbing to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident she suffered while on duty in Lyon County, Iowa.
Stephanie was born April 3, 1959, in Wayne, Nebraska to Joseph and Patricia (Tighe) Dorcey. Stephanie was the sixth addition to the family and joined her siblings Michael, Monica, Maureen, Joseph, and Patrick. Shortly after, Julia, Sean, and Brendan came into the picture for a grand total of nine children. The family lived on an acreage just outside of the Wayne city limits. Stephanie attended Wayne High School where she participated in every sport they allowed her to: volleyball, basketball, and track. She graduated high school in 1977, and in 2008, she was inducted into the Wayne High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following high school, Stephanie migrated north to Sioux City, Iowa to attend Briar Cliff College where she played volleyball and basketball. In October 1979, she married Daniel Schreurs. They lived several places and ultimately settled on the family farm outside of Alvord, Iowa. During their marriage they had five children: Matthew, Theresa, William, Jacqueline, and Mary. In 2001, Stephanie relocated to Larchwood, Iowa. After an educational hiatus, Stephanie returned to college and received her Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in 2003.
Stephanie joined the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher in January 1995 and became Lyon County’s first female deputy in August 1997. Her impact on the community is summed up by this comment from a resident of Lyon County: “[Stephanie] did so much off and on duty. She never discriminated against anyone in this town. She always wanted to see the best in people. She always talked to anyone. She was ready at any time of day or night to help others on or off duty. She truly will be missed.” Not only did Stephanie serve her county as a deputy, she also contributed to her communities in numerous ways, such as developing a children’s recreational program in Alvord, being a member of the Larchwood Emergency Medical Services team, and serving as an active member of the St. Mary Parish. She also stayed busy with several part-time jobs, including ceramic tile installation, substitute teaching, cleaning and maintenance for the City of Larchwood, and farming.
In spite of how busy she was with everything else, Stephanie’s favorite roles were being a mother and a grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and could always be counted on for a listening ear and advice, a last-minute meal, a ride, a home improvement project, a babysitter, and being a loud fan “coaching” from the sidelines. Some of her favorite things included sugar, the New England Patriots, crafting, horses, the sun, and beaches.
Stephanie left behind four children and eight grandchildren: Theresa (Mason) Mehrman (Jacoby, Sadie, Quincy, and Bo), William (Samantha) Schreurs (Bristol, Aspyn, Dakota, and Laurence), Jacqueline (Bailey) Grotewold, and Mary Schreurs; eight siblings: Michael (Denise) Dorcey, Monica Dorcey, Maureen Dorcey, Joseph Dorcey, Patrick (Cindy) Dorcey, Julia (John Nixon) Dorcey, Sean Dorcey, and Brendan Dorcey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Stephanie is reunited with her son and golf partner, Matthew Schreurs, who preceded her in death in 2018, as well as her parents, Joseph and Patricia Dorcey.
A visitation with family present will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Larchwood, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2019, at the Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to be followed with burial in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Alvord, Iowa.
To all the Schreurs family – there will never be another like your precious mother and sister. Her heart was pure gold and she had the unique ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable and accepted. She had so much love in her heart and it spilled over into all her actions. She had a contagious and melodic laugh and a sparkle in her brown eyes that exuded such warmth. She was passionate about her job and the people of Lyon County and had such a heart of compassion. But her real joy and passion was her children and grandchildren and and she gave every ounce of herself for you. A love like no other. We grieve your loss with you. No one can ever take her place. Blessed be her memory. Love, hugs, and endless prayers, The Birkey’s
Sincere sympathy to the family and fellow workers! You are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Rest in peace my friend. We will have that coffee when we meet again.
So very sorry for the family and friends of Steph. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about her & she seems like an incredible woman who touched many lives. Prayers to all of you <3
My heart felt sympathy to the Schreurs family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa and family, praying for comfort and love for you all.
My son knew steph since his teen years, he is 22 now and she always gave him the benefit of the doubt during those West Lyon years as a teenager(ha-ha) ,she was down to earth and treated the teens she encountered as a deputy with great respect,Lyon county will miss her.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family of Stephanie.
She was always so kind and caring one of the best! My prayers are with her Family.
https://youtu.be/FEqKi7k9NHo
Our heart bleeds for her family and colleagues
To Stephanie’s children Theresa, Bill, Jackie, Mary and families,
Just last year I shared in your and your mother’s grief as she laid her first-born to rest after he lost his courageous battle with brain cancer. Having taught Matthew as his 8th grade English and Literature teacher at West Lyon, I knew firsthand what a special young man was lost too soon. Now, I join Stephanie’s family and friends in mourning her untimely passing. While I worked only briefly with her as a Lyon County dispatcher, I have always held Stephanie with the highest regard for her dedication to her law enforcement career, her fellow deputies and those with whom she worked in the Lyon County Law Enforcement Center. Seeing the many tributes left in her honor on the patrol vehicle sitting in front of the Center brought a tear of gratitude and loss for the many whose lives she touched, especially you her children, as you were/are always her most precious accomplishment. You are all lovingly and prayerfully held at this time. Blessed forever be her memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Steph was a very great person who cared for about everybody. She helped anyone she could. I enjoyed talking to her when we were both working and she had a few down moments. We talked a lot about children and grand children. She will be missed by everyone.
Our sympathy and prayers to your family. From one Law Enforcement family to yours, our hearts are heavy and hurt for Stephanie’s family, to her children and grandchildren as well as extended family. God give you His comfort and peace.
And to her “Blue family”, you are in our prayers. Stay strong and carry on!
Thank you for your service, Deputy Schreurs. RiP. You will not be forgotten.