David John Steveken, Sr., 84, died Oct. 15, 2019.
Dave grew up in the Como Park neighborhood and attended St. Andrew’s school and Holy Childhood grade school. He then attended St. Thomas Academy and graduated with a marketing degree from St. Thomas College in 1957. Following college graduation, Dave worked 38 years at 3M in sales and marketing in the company’s healthcare group.
Dave was an accomplished athlete, achieving success in track and field at St. Thomas Academy and St. Thomas College. He was the founder of the St. Thomas College ski club. Besides athletics, he loved his children and grandchildren, classical music, sunsets and his beloved cocker spaniels.
Dave was preceded in death by his son, Mark; his parents, Fred and Marion Steveken; and brothers Fred, Roger and Bob. Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen; his sons Dave (Sue) and John (Lisa), his daughter Ellie, eight grandchildren and his brother Tom.
Dave was a devout Catholic. He proudly served as the president of the Parents Club at St. Mark’s grade school and as the president of the Father’s Club at both St. Thomas Academy and Derham Hall. He and Mary Ellen worked tirelessly as volunteers with Catholic Charities, Dorothy Day Center and the St. Olaf Catholic Church Exodus Residence Program, which serves and fosters friendships with the homeless.
A man of many gifts and qualities, Dave retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz. where he enjoyed gardening, hiking and golf. He will be remembered for, among other things, his generosity, kindness, transcendent wit and love of God and family.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 26 at the Church of the Assumption, downtown St. Paul. Memorials may be made payable to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601; or St. Thomas Academy, 949 Mendota Heights Rd., Mendota Heights, MN 55120, c/o Mark Steveken Memorial Fund.
