Steven J. "Barney" Buren, 67, Sanborn

A funeral service for Steven J. “Barney” Buren was held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn. Pastor Kris Lien officiated.

Pallbearers were Devin Stowell, Cayle Carney, Rex Raymond, Buzz Tift, Dennis Brown and Tim Drenkow. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Knowlton, Greg Heyn, Meloni Bressman, Mike Dummett, Allen Buren, Kelly Lange, Ray Cronin, Linda Rozeboom, Dave Gano and Alice Des Prez. Interment at a later date will be in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Steven John “Barney” Buren, son of John and Carolyn (Ver Hoef) Buren, was born on June 22, 1955, at Sheldon. He spent his youth around Sanborn where he attended Sanborn Community School, graduating with the Class of 1973. Following high school, Barney furthered his education at NITC in Sheldon with a major in accounting.

Barney was united in marriage to Mary Lynne “Lindy” Stowell on May 1, 1987, at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn. They made their home in Sanborn and raised their family there. Barney was employed with D & H Motors in Sheldon before working for Darryl’s Decorating in Sanborn. He learned the finer points of finishing woodwork and all kinds of painting techniques from Darryl, eventually starting his own business, Buren Painting. The caboose in the city park representing Sanborn’s railroad history and the municipal swimming pool were both painting projects Barney completed.

When he had his brushes cleaned up for the day, Barney could focus his attention on his favorite thing – sports! Over the years he had played on a golf league and several bowling leagues in Sanborn, as well as men’s softball teams at Ashton and Primghar. If he couldn’t play it he’d watch it, particularly the Chicago Bears and New York Yankees.

He and Lindy also owned and operated the OK Rec in Sanborn from 1990-1995. Each year they sponsored the “Ugly Bartender” contest (Understanding - Generous - Loveable - You), raising $70,000 in a five-year period for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iowa, the second highest turnout in the state. Following a stroke in 2013, Barney sold his painting business but remained active as a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Sanborn and the Onyx Lodge #419 and the Scottish Rite. Free time found him working crossword and jigsaw puzzles or watching “Jeopardy” and old westerns on TV. Of course, sports were still first and foremost, so many hours were spent searching E-Bay for hot sports memorabilia.

Barney passed from this life on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the age of 67. Survivors include his wife, Lindy Buren, of Sanborn; stepchildren: James Carney, of Denison; Joshua (Caresa) Carney, of Sanborn; and Krista Ewoldt, of Jefferson, Ga.; five step grandchildren: Nesari, Cayle, Elliot, Nichelle and Elizabeth; three step great-grandchildren: Elsie, Emmit and Brooks; his brother, Jerry Buren, of Sanborn; other relatives and friends.