Steven Mearl Strait, 50, of Marion, died Monday, October 30, 2006, in Marion. Services: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006, at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion, by the Rev. William Harnish. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Survivors include his two sons, Jared and Derek, both of Marion; his parents, Mearl and Evelyn Strait of Marion; two brothers, Mark (Jackie) Strait of Central City and John Strait of Huntley, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. 

Steve was born the son of Mearl and Evelyn (Proffitt) Strait on February 29, 1956, in Cedar Rapids and attended Linn Mar High School. He married Donna Feddern. They later divorced. Steve was an operator for M & S Construction in Marion for many years. 

Steve always had a smile on his face and enjoyed operating his backhoe. He was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.