Captain Steve Memorial, Arnolds Park, IA
N 43° 22.018 W 095° 08.201
15T E 326880 N 4803784
Captain Steve’s memorial plaque tells the story of this community’s most appreciated “hero,” and one of the greatest efforts to save this popular, historic site.
Waymark Code: WMAYTA
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 03/13/2011
Views: 10
Captain Steve’s memorial plaque tells the story of this community’s most appreciated “hero,” and one of the greatest efforts to save this popular, historic site.
Captain Steve, 9/20/45 – 2/23/02
Born in Dexter, Iowa and relocated to Spirit Lake in his second year, young Stephen Kennedy grew to be a man known for his love and knowledge of the lakes area. Married to his lifelong best friend Mary Smith of Spirit Lake in 1966, he was working as the manager of the Spirit Lake Drug Store when he was called into a life of service to the Iowa Great Lakes in 1986.
His legacy began when he accepted the appointment as first captain of the newly commissioned Queen II – a replica of the lake’s original flagship, the Queen. Success of the Queen II led to his adoption by the Lake Community as their folk hero, “Captain Steve” and to the founding of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum in 1991. After personally saving the museum and the Queen II from bankruptcy during several lean years, in 1998 and 1999 Captain Steve successfully led an effort to complete plans and fundraising to construct a beautiful, new museum building on West Broadway Street.
In 1999, the threatened sale of the park and the adjoining green space to a developer for condominiums became the captain’s greatest challenge. With Captain Steve as the public spokesperson, calling upon the faith and trust the public had in him, the “save the park” effort was founded. In less than two months, over seven million dollars was raised in order for the museum that the captain had founded, to purchase the park and green space, and save this treasure for all future generations.
The captain succumbed to an extended illness two years later while continuing to live his dream. And now, Captain Steve’s enormous legacy will live on forever with the blessing of so many he touched so deeply.
This memorial statue is intended to depict Captain Steve involved in the activities he loved in his life. His hands are on the wheel of the Queen II as he looks out across West Okoboji (O-KA-BO-JA) Lake. He loved them both deeply. The two children are friends of the captain, Christopher Ames and Maggie Robinson, both of whom made contributions to his dream. They are depicted here as representatives of the thousands more whom he touched and inspired.
As you embrace this memorial to Captain Steve, please take a moment to stop and look at the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, Queen II, Amusement Park, Queen’s Court, Green Space, Entertainment Stage, Beach and Beach House. Those who know his story will say that none of this would even exist today without this unique and selfless man. Many feel that in the incredible history of the Iowa Great Lakes that one has made a contribution that even begins to compare to the great legacy of Captain Steve.
Thanks you, Captain, and Godspeed on your eternal final cruise.
List if there are any visiting hours:
This memorial is outdoors and is open 24/7.
Entrance fees (if any):
none
Sponsor(s): People of Arnolds Park
Relevent website: Not listed
Parking coordinates: Not Listed
Date dedicated: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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