Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2022.
A small cemetery in rural Iowa has become the center of a surprising controversy after a family’s tribute to a beloved relative revealed a hidden message that some residents say crosses the line.
At first glance, the headstone honoring Steven Paul Owens appears to contain a traditional memorial inscription. The text includes heartfelt references to his roles as a son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, accompanied by a message expressing love and remembrance.
But a closer look reveals something many visitors initially missed.
The family deliberately arranged the wording so that the first letter of each line forms an acrostic spelling out a profanity — a private joke they say perfectly reflects Owens’ personality and sense of humor.
Now, that hidden message has sparked a dispute between Owens’ relatives and the local officials responsible for overseeing the cemetery.
According to family members, the inscription was never intended to offend anyone. Instead, they say it serves as a final tribute to a man known for his sarcastic wit and playful nature.
Owens passed away in September 2021, and his children describe him as someone who enjoyed joking with friends and relatives. While he could be outspoken and easily drawn into friendly arguments, they say his colorful language was often used affectionately rather than maliciously.
His daughter explained that those closest to him understood the phrase as part of his unique way of expressing friendship. Family members say receiving that response from Owens often meant he genuinely liked the person he was talking to.
The idea for incorporating the hidden message reportedly came from a relative, and family members unanimously supported including it in the memorial design. They viewed the tribute as an authentic reflection of who Owens was during his lifetime.
However, local township trustees who oversee the cemetery have taken a different view.
Officials objected to the monument before it was installed and argued that the concealed profanity was inappropriate for a public burial ground. Despite those worries, the memorial company proceeded with the installation.
Since then, township representatives have reportedly explored legal options aimed at having the headstone removed.
Those supporting removal argue that allowing profanity in a cemetery could create challenges when determining what future messages should or should not be permitted. Some residents have also complained that families visiting nearby graves should not be exposed to language they may find offensive.
Officials say they must consider the broader interests of all visitors rather than the wishes of a single family.
Owens’ relatives, meanwhile, believe the criticism misses the purpose behind the tribute.
They insist the memorial was created out of love and designed to celebrate the man’s personality rather than provoke controversy. Family members say they are saddened by efforts to remove the stone and hope others will recognize it as a harmless inside joke honoring a father, grandfather, and friend.
As the disagreement continues, the unusual headstone has drawn attention far beyond the small Iowa community, turning a personal family tribute into a broader debate about expression, remembrance, and where communities should draw the line in public spaces.