06/25/2022
Steve Beaumont, 81, formerly of Garber and Iowa City, died Friday, June 16, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home, where he had been a resident since 2019.
Steve grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He attended Grinnell College, then earned a PhD in history from the University of Wisconsin. He also served in the U. S. Coast Guard.
Steve made his living as a carpenter in Johnson County. When he moved to his Jupiter Ridge Farm near Garber in 2000, he built an energy efficient home there, and installed an array of solar panels.
A passionate conservationist, Steve reconstructed several plots of prairie at Jupiter Ridge. He also maintained a huge garden, which provided much of his own food.
Others in the community benefited greatly from Steve’s skills and generosity. His carpentry expertise and advice were invaluable in restoration work at Motor Mill, where he was one of the most dedicated volunteers.
Steve also volunteered for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and for the Clayton County Conservation Awareness Network, which honored him with a conservation award in 2019.
Steve’s dedication and benevolence culminated with the 2016 donation of his farm to the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), an organization formed to protect farmland to be used for growing food. That gift has enabled Will Lorentzen and Adrian White to start a successful business growing produce and raising mushrooms at Jupiter Ridge Farm.
Steve is survived by a sister, Margaret (Becky) Sabin, and a brother, Frederick (Fritz) Beaumont, both of Boise, Idaho.
Steve will be remembered for his love of the land.
A friend and neighbor, Natasha Hegmann, summed it up:
“Steve has quietly left an incredible conservation legacy in Clayton County.”
There will be an informal celebration of Steve’s life at 6 pm Wednesday ,June 29 at Motor Mill.
