Steven "Bear" Meldrem, 72, died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Harmony of Marshalltown in Marshalltown, Iowa. Bear's wishes were to be cremated and there will be no service. Memorials may be made to the family and sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Bear was born on August 19, 1953, at St. Francis Hospital to Raymon and Donna (VanDraska) Meldrem in Grinnell. He graduated from Grinnell High School and attended UNI.

He enjoyed music festivals and belonged to the South Skunk Blue Society. Some of the many things he liked to do were reading documentaries and playing chess with his nieces and nephews. Bear was known mostly as a bartender at the Eagles Club, always lending an ear.

Bear is survived by his brother, Lonnie Meldrem of Grinnell; sister, Debra Sue (Mike) Dvorak of New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Wade Meldrem.