Obituary of Stephen J. Dailey

Stephen Joseph Dailey died peacefully in Newton, Iowa, surrounded by loved ones, on December 31, 2024. Steve is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judith (Armstrong) Dailey as well as daughters Elaine (Dailey) Mattingly (John) of Newton, Cynthia (Dailey, Corne) Musslewhite (Bob) of Iowa City, grandchildren Ian Day (Ali Thomason-Day)of Columbia, Missouri, Julia Corne (fiancé Cameron Gelak) of Thornton, Colorado and Arnold “A.J.” Corne Jr. of Erie, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Dailey, of San Leandro, California, nephews Aaron (Abby-Jaye) Larson of Ankeny and Brian Larson (Katie) of Haverhill. Steve’s in-laws were his loving family also.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan J. and Ellen M. (Swan) Dailey of Viola, Iowa, as well as his sister Sharon Dailey of Marshalltown.
Steve was born in Cedar Rapids on July 19, 1940. He graduated from Viola High School in 1958. He received an Associate Degree from Kirkwood Community College and B.A. in Sociology from the University of Iowa.
Steve enjoyed working for the railroad in Marion early in his life. He then launched his career in Corrections. He started as a correctional officer at the Anamosa Reformatory. He managed the work release program, chaired state boards, led the team as well as construction of a new prison in Clarinda as Deputy Superintendent, then served as an administrative law judge in Newton where he settled for retirement. He believed in people and rehabilitation, and was opposed to capital punishment.
As a young man and throughout his life, Steve enjoyed performing as a vocalist and choir member at Methodist churches in Viola, Anamosa, Clarinda and Newton, Iowa. In addition to singing for weddings and funerals, Steve participated in community productions and offered literary programs to the Newton Rotary Club. He was an avid coin collector and skillfully refinished furniture. Those in central Iowa may remember his ardent leadership of Jasper County Democrats in the early 2000s. Overall, Steve’s goodwill, pleasant nature and steadfast presence with family will continue to be celebrated.
A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the Garden Room, Park Centre in Newton, Iowa. He will be placed at peace this spring at Springville Memorial Cemetery.
Steve and his wife Judith wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Pat Edwards, the staff of Wesley Life Hospice Service as well as Park Centre in Newton for their enduring, heartfelt care. 
Memorials may be made to Wesley Life Hospice Service or to school or church vocal music programs and may be left at the celebration or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.