Stephen “Steve” DeMarrais, age 78, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He had been a resident of Colorado Springs for 52 years.
Steve was draftsman and planner in the United States Air Force and a Master Community Planner for United States Air Force Space Command.
Born on July 30, 1947, to Gerard F. and Arleta (Smith) DeMarrais in Rochester, MN. Steve grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA. After graduating from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids and briefly attending Iowa State University, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Steve was married to Zeone “Zee” F. Jensen, on July 30, 1967, in Ricketts, Iowa. After living in IA, TX, and CA, they settled down in Colorado Springs where he served in the USAF for 17 years. Steve returned to school, receiving his BA from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 1991. After parting from the Air Force, he entered Civil Service. When he retired from Civil Service, he was a Master Community Planner for the United States Air Force, Space Command.
Steve was an avid motorcycle rider and Corvette enthusiast. He and Zee made many trips to Sturgis, South Dakota for the Sturgis Rally and to Spearfish, SD, for the annual Black Hills Corvette Rally. They both enjoyed the fun times that were had with friends and family at both events. Steve is survived by children: Christine (Christopher) Fisher and Jason DeMarrais; grandchildren: Ashley, Courtney, Jessica (Cameron), Briar (Katie), Rachel, Kassidy, Haley and Zachary; great-grandchildren, George and Mason; and sister, Heidi (DeMarrais) Pankey. He was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher R. DeMarrais; his parents, Gerard F. and Arleta (Smith) DeMarrais; and wife, Zee.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00am at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
Never a better friend and riding partner! The memories will stay in my heart forever.
I am sorry Steve passed away. He is at peace now with mom. They were such special people and so fun to be around. Sending hugs and strength to get through this difficult time. ❤️🩹😇
I am so lucky to have known Steve and of course Zee. They are together for all eternity now. I will forever miss them. Sending prayers and comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love to you all.
Chris – I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of your father.
While I didn’t know him personally, I understand how the loss of a parent can profoundly affect us, marking significant moments in our lives that we wish we could hold onto longer. May you find strength and comfort in the days ahead as you navigate this grief.
With my deepest sympathies,
A bona fide biker to the bone!
With a wit that could cut a mile wide swath through pretense and B.S.
And what a raconteur/storyteller!
How many times did we sit around laughing our asses off while Steve told of an adventure, a crappy bike he once had, an idiot he encountered, buying a minivan or how he had embarrassed himself in some manner.
“Buy high, sell low” was his philosophy when getting another Harley.
I met him through Z.
38 years ago, I was a brand-new hire at Memorial Hospital.
Zeon was the no-nonsense charge nurse in Labor and Delivery.
I was a little wary of her and minded my P’s and Q’s.
One day she saved my butt from the Chief of Maintenance.
Long story.
I told her, “From now on, I’m on your side!”.
She responded, “Hey, we gotta’ stick together!”.
This led to meeting a whole new crowd of very cool riders.
Be it Sturgis, Red River, Taos, bike shows or the Sunday morning breakfast rides, it was memorable if Steve and Z were along.
And such an inclusive, accepting family.
Always felt so welcome at their house.
Even their kids were cool!
Jason and Christine, we are so sad for your loss.
Know that there will be an excellent place set for them at the biker banquet table in Heaven.
There will probably be the large bottle of Jack at your Dad’s setting…
With heartfelt condolences and sadness,
Biomed Mike Kiernan
I met Steve and we became instant friends. He was one of my customers and later I found out he was one of my wife’s customers. We really loved Steve and Zee, and the entire family. They will be missed.