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Steve Luther, 71, of Creston, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, at his son’s home in Creston, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life “come as you are” gathering and visitation time will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at Powers Funeral Home, 601 New York Avenue in Creston. Pastor Mary O’Reily will conclude the time with a prayer, and then proceed to Graceland Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are to be established in his name. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.
Steven Glen Luther was born Aug. 1, 1952, the son of Glen Edward Luther and Virginia Mae (Overholtzer) Luther in Creston. Steve attended Creston High School and schooling in Ankeny. On June 11, 1971, Steve was united in marriage to Patricia Jean McIntire in Cromwell. To this union came three sons: Clint Steven, Cory Patrick and Cody Wade. Steve and Patti later divorced. On Sept. 29, 2001 , Steve married the love of his life, Leslie Anne Hudson. Steve and Les enjoyed many common interests, including motor sports of many kinds and the company of family and friends.
Steve and Les lived, worked and retired in Creston. Steve worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation from 1970-1971. From 1971-1974 he worked at Luther Services as a shop foreman. Steve began work for United Parcel Service as a mechanic in 1974, soon after, transferring to delivery driver for the company. Steve made many friends through his work with UPS and retired in 2004.
Steve was a mechanical genius of sorts. If you had a performance engine to build, needed to go fast down or around a track or pull a sled, Steve was your guy. Steve worked on many stock cars, drag cars and pulling trucks. Several race and pulling teams including White Lightning and Foxy Lady were high on the list. The Heartbreaker Pulling Team was a dream Steve made happen for himself and his boys.
In 2001, Steve helped his son Clint start his own business, Luther Solutions. Luther Solutions owns and operates out of Steve’s original race shop, which has been in the family for generations. In 2005 and 2006, Steve once again put his vast knowledge to work on the dirt track with his own Luther Race Team. Cars #29 and #92 were proudly driven by Steve’s sons, Cody and Cory. Steve’s mechanical gifts brought many people to his doorstep, so to speak. He was the “guy” to call to make more power. Over the years, Steve has earned the respect of many in the sport, and his friendships have become priceless. Family meant everything to Steve.
Steve is survived by his wife, Leslie Luther; his children: Clint (Polly) Luther, Cory (Tara) Luther and Cody (Erica) Luther, all of Creston; a brother, James (Marcela) Luther of Creston; nine grandchildren: Breanna (Jarod) York, Hanna Jay, Jaxie (Wyatt) Thompson, Jagger Luther, Rylan, Payton and Jarrett Luther and Chasin and Alibi Luther; four great-grandchildren, Brixon and Addy Jay, Layton Thompson and Jase York and many other extended family members.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Tom Stickel; nephew, Jamie Luther; father-in-law, Ron Hudson; aunts; uncles and cousins.