"My family was blessed to belong to his congregation in University Place, WA from 2004 until he moved back to MN in 2013. We listened to a multitude of his weekly sermons after he moved away and my children still talk about him. Our son, Jace (now 22), in a college assignment, included Pastor Steffenson in his "Starting 5" line up of the people he would most like on his team, that he could count on to be there for him. He confirmed our daughter Kalen and gave all of us the gift of CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST as our Lord and Savior. There are no words...this man was a living gift from our Heavenly Father, in faith light and love. As my husband, Jud, put it, "Pastor Steffenson was heaven on earth." Our prayers are with the entire Steffenson family until you see each other again in glory. Praising God that he is all smiles now! The Keim Family: Jud, Sari, Kalen and Jace"
In loving memory of
David Lloyd Steffenson
June 3, 1957 - April 28, 2022
David Lloyd Steffenson, age 64, of Rochester, MN died on April 28, 2022. David was born on June 3, 1957 to Lloyd and Helen (Trausch) Steffenson in New Richmond, Wisconsin. David was baptized into God's Kingdom on June 16, 1957 at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond, WI. He was confirmed, married and ordained at First Lutheran. His firstborn son was also baptized at First Lutheran. David attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduated in 1979 with majors in Business Administration and Religion, and a minor in Greek. He graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN & received his Masters of Divinity in 1983.
Pastor Dave met his wife Julie Boelter at Concordia College. They married on October 6, 1979. God blessed them with 3 children, all married, and 7 grandchildren. Pastor Dave served three congregations prior to coming to Emmanuel: Grace Lutheran, Lake Lillian, MN (1983-88); First Lutheran, Little Falls, MN (1988-2004); Mount Cross Evangelical Lutheran, University Place, WA (2004-2013). Pastor Dave was installed as Emmanuel's first pastor on September 14, 2013. Throughout his ministry, Acts 20:24 guided his journey with Christ: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify to the gospel of God's grace."
David did graduate work in Israel in 1991. He also received a Lily Endowment Sabbatical Grant, spending 3 months journaling, reading and praying in retreat at Gustavus College, visiting snow-birds and winter Texans down south, and enjoying special time with his wife in Hawaii. David loved to preach and teach, and would often break into song during a sermon. He especially loved spending time with kids: Children's Sermons, Preschool Chapel Time, VBS, Longer and Later Confirmation, Youth Group Activities, and National Youth Gatherings. He had the joy of celebrating congregational milestone anniversaries, and several building programs. David served in many leadership positions.
David was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in April of 2020 and began intensive treatment immediately. His oncology team would later say that he was "a walking miracle." His guiding verse throughout his battle with cancer has been, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand"-Psalm 31:14-15a.
Pastor Dave would often tell those whom he shepherded that "In Christ, our best years are always ahead of us." He also told his grandchildren that he was spending eternity with Jesus. "Grateful" is a word that David cherished in his life with Christ and with his family. You no doubt heard Pastor Dave say, "We love others best when we love Jesus the most."
David was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lloyd & Helen, and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Julie; his brother, Gary & Liz, Garret and Carolyn, MN; children (Joshua & Julie Steffenson, CT; Jenna & Matt Serr, MN; and Rachel & T.J. Cafferty, CO), seven grandchildren (Nora, June, Scarlett, Micah, Josie, Jonah and Hope) and many extended family members.
Blessed be the memories of David Lloyd Steffenson.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be given to the Emmanuel Lutheran building fund or New Life Family Services.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester with Rev. Tim Duesenberg officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 PM Friday, May 6, 2022 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The memorial service will be livestreamed on the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page.
Tributes
"Julie, Josh, Jenna, Rachel, and family - the Reiters are grieving with you. In a reflection of God, we loved Pastor Dave because he first loved us. We look forward with you to that heavenly reunion. "
"Pastor Steffenson was an angel in disguise. As our Pastor was out of town (RLC) Pastor Dave preformed my dad?s funeral July 1st 2015 and did the most amazing job! He walked the family farm (Pine Creek) to get a feel of who my dad was, how much we all loved and would miss him. Pastor Dave will always hold a special place in our hearts. Prayers to Julie and families from Shirley Anderson and families "
"Pastor Dave was a wonderful man and minister. I joined First Lutheran in Little Falls in the early 90's because he made me feel so welcome and he genuinely cared. I am truly saddened by the news of his passing but glad he is no longer in pain. My deepest sympathies to his wife and family."
"To wife & family Bettie Lou and I are members of Rushford Lutheran. We were always so pleased to have Pastor Steffenson preach at our church. His accent was so interesting. His sermons were always Spirit filled. He was in our prayers from the very beginning of his illness. I think the Lord decided Pastor had suffered enough and its time to come home. Bettie Lou and I do extend our deepest sympathy and pray that God will give you strength to go on . Rob & Bettie Lou Bunke"
"Thank you Pastor Dave for sharing your talents with my family and me. I have yet to find a pastor who can tell a sermon like you did! I have tried many churches in many cities and no one compares. I am blessed to have worshipped with you during your time in Little Falls. Prayers and peace to the Steffenson family. "
"David was, as others have said, truly a man committed to following Christ. As such he was an excellent Pastor, friend and leader. I can easily imagine him hearing "well done my good and faithful servant". Matthew 25:23"
"Dear Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. While we know that David is at peace, such knowledge does not take the moments and months of grief away. I pray that there will be people near to surround you with the promises of the day when God will wipe away every tear from your eyes. I have been praying for you from a distance, and will continue to hold you in my prayers and in my heart. David was such a a good, decent, honest, and totally trustworthy man...an Israelite in whom there was no guile. I am thankful for the times we had together in Little Falls and through the ensuing years; and I am even more thankful for the role that he, and you, played in Hans' life when he was serving at Ft. Lewis before and after his deployment. You became family for him at such an important time in his life, and David was yet one more excellent role model for him on his way to a pastoral vocation. I don't have words enough to thank you. My love is with you. Amy Schifrin"
"Our hearts, thoughts & prayers are with all of you as you journey through this sad, difficult time. Pastor Dave was such a moving & inspirational speaker & we know he touched many lives wherever he went. Our sincerest sympathies-? Dawn & Brad Laager"
"Thoughts and prayers to the family. Pastor Dave was one of my favorites. You will be missed."
"A kind man and a true servant of Jesus Christ. I had the privilege of speaking with Pastor Dave a number of times during his time in Rochester, and I always left those conversations challenged to love Jesus more. "
"Our deepest condolences to Julie and the family. Pastor Dave made such an impact on our family. He was an amazing man and minister. He was the reason we joined First Lutheran! He made us feel so comfortable and included. He confirmed all 3 of our girls. They have wonderful memories of the church events in Little Falls and the youth trips around the country. His sermons were amazing. Our favorite part was when he would break into song. We were so sad when the family moved to WA and we lost touch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. Pastor Dave will be deeply missed! Steve and Teresa Herzog family "
"Sending you hugs of comfort for your loss. Pastor David will be missed here on earth, but his memories will live on in our souls. Pastor David was a true shepherd, leading his sheep on their faith journeys. His faith was an inspiration for all. During our interim time at RLC, Pastor David was a joy to work with and his sermons (and singing) were uplifting. His positivity and faith never wavered, especially during his trying times of medical issues. He will continue to serve our Lord in eternity. XXOO Jean and Brian Krambeer"
"Gos bless you pastor Dave and your beautiful family which I and the whole grosso family were Blessed to have gotten to know and love you al. Thank you Pastor Dave for leading. our church ! You will always be in our hearts, mind and spirit. Thank you for sharing Gods word and commitment to me and all of us. You are a true disciple of God! ?????????? Leeanne Grosso"
"My condolences to the Steffenson family during this time. Pastor Steffenson was such a wonderful pastor with the kindness soul. His love for Jesus was like a light that burned bright. I will always be thankful beyond measure that God put him in our path when we decided to start Trinity Lutheran Church. He gave us his unconditional support, and was a source of peace and calm during a time of uncertainty for all us, even when all we could do was meet outdoors because of the pandemic. Pastor will be missed by many, but God gained a faithful servant indeed. RIP Pastor Steffenson"