Steven P. Buser was born July 31, 1965, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Bob and Bonnie Buser. He was the eighth of their nine children. Steve grew up in Nichols, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Angie. Steve and Angie were married in 1993. In 1998, Braxton Lynn Buser, the light of Steve’s life, was born.
Steve started his career as a volunteer for the Lone Tree Volunteer Fire Department. He was then hired by the Ames Fire Department in November 1999 as a firefighter/EMT. He was also a certified CPR and defibrillator instructor. Steve worked in all three Ames fire stations and, on his days off, he taught CPR for the Iowa DOT as well as various businesses.
There was rarely an experience that Steve wasn’t up for, but his favorite things included camping with family and friends, building signature campfires, Geocaching through the 99 Iowa counties, and biking in every season. He rode RAGBRAI seven times with his best friend, Scott Mills, usually sporting a kilt and a fire helmet. He had a knack for fixing anything—a process fondly known as “Busering”–and he was happy to share his skills with anyone in exchange for a nice cold beer.
Steve had three very favorites: his wife, Angie; his daughter, Braxton; and his dog, Uli. He was a devoted husband and father. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his girls.
Steve died suddenly on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Fire Station 2. He had just finished a 24-hour shift and was working out at the station’s gym.
Steve was loved by his family, friends, and fire family. He is greatly missed.
I love and miss you everyday, dad. Thank you for giving me the strength to be who I am and to follow through with my dreams. I hope I’m making you proud. -B
– Braxton