Steve began his career in the Sociology Department at the University of Iowa in 1971. He officially retired in 2008 but continued to come into the office for more than a decade, always fashionably clad in an ironed shirt, tie, and dress pants. He was a great man – kind, articulate, intelligent, and introspective.
Wieting was an expert in the Sociology of Sport and Sociology of the Family, teaching courses in those areas as well as Research Methods. Within the sports world, Steve was particularly interested in marathon runners from Kenya, curling players from Canada, and cyclists from all nations who participated in the Tour de France. He also developed an expertise in Icelandic culture, traveling to Iceland several times to better understand the people and society. He was an exceptional mentor to both undergrads and graduate students, maintaining relationships with many for several decades. In honor of his commitment to students, the Stephen G. Wieting award was established for the best theory paper submitted to the annual Iowa Sociological Association conference.
Steve’s door was (literally) always open, as he believed that an important part of being in an academic department was to develop a sense of community among its members. At lunchtime, he would pull out his bike and invite staff and faculty to join him in a lunchtime ride out to Coralville. If athletics wasn’t your thing, he would suggest a Budweiser after work at George’s Buffet.
In his 70s, Steve did not slow down. In 2015, at the age of 75, Steve published a book titled The Sociology of Hypocrisy: an Analysis of Sport and Religion. As his last major piece of research, the book incorporated his interest in sport, religion, and morality. And in his late 70s, Steve became an active member of the Hawkeye Community Rowing Club, showing up for daily practice on the Iowa River at 6 a.m.
Steve is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his daughter, Helene. Information on a memorial service will be sent out as soon as it becomes available.
Cards/flowers may be sent to his home address: 1403 Tracy Ln, Iowa City, IA 52240.