Steven L. Schneekloth

STEVEN LESTER SCHNEEKLOTH was born in Luverne, Minnesota on May 13, 1948 to Lester and Norma (Kemerling) Schneekloth. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church on June 6, 1948 and was later confirmed there. Steve was raised on the family farm northwest of town and attended Luverne Public Schools. He graduated in 1966. After high school, he worked for Juhl Farms and reaffirmed his faith in the Christian Reformed Church. At this time, the Peter Van Santen family moved across the road from the Schneekloth farm. Steve became smitten with Marian, the eldest of the Van Santen daughters. They were blissfully wed on June 19, 1970 at the Christian Reformed Church. Shortly after, the couple moved to a family farm of their own. In 1984, Steve left farming and moved the family to town. He was a jack of all trades. He worked for S & R Supply in Rock Rapids, Iowa; Country Kitchen in Luverne; and HiFat Specialties out of Jasper, Minnesota. In 1997, Agri-Energy built the ethanol plant in Luverne and Steve became the maintenance manager. Steve also worked part-time for Sears, Papik Motors and PAT’s pilot car and escort service. Reluctantly, Steve formally retired in December 2010 due to health concerns. In 2011, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and just recently with amyloidosis.

Following a strong and courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, September 21, 2015, Steven went on to glory surrounded by his family at his home. His children will remember him most for being a hard worker. His independence taught them how to be self-sufficient. He showed everyone how to truly appreciate life.

Steve was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. Some of his hobbies included: woodworking, making bean bag boards, fishing, gardening, baking, and photography. Steve often videotaped wrestling and skating events. “Smiley” as he was affectionately known was an avid fan of the boys matches as well as the Blue Mound Figure Skating Club. His camera was always near at hand and he had flash drives with pictures on them stashed everywhere. While Steve thought he had hidden his Craig’s list addiction, in reality, we were all on to his habit.

Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marian of Luverne; six children, Cory Schneekloth of Luverne, Brian (Sheryl) Schneekloth of Little Rock, Iowa, Wes (Crystal) Schneekloth of Omaha, Nebraska, Perry (KaraJo) Schneekloth of Brandon, South Dakota, Nicole Schneekloth of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and Gretchen Schneekloth (fianc, Christopher Luze) of Luverne; 11 grandchildren, Cassie, Zac, Jordan, Brooklyn, Riley, Wil, Charley, Blake, Grace, Emma and Olivia; mother, Norma Schneekloth of Luverne; seven siblings, Deanna (Jeff) Jensen of Odessa, Minnesota, Howard (Cindy) Schneekloth of Watertown, South Dakota, Gloria (Ron) Evans of Pipestone, Minnesota, Tom (Donna) Schneekloth of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Paula Petersen-Giles (Dan Giles) of Marshall, Minnesota, Terry (Denise) Schneekloth of Marshall, and Randy (Susan) Schneekloth of Luverne; and numerous of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Lester; and brother, John Schneekloth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cancer Research at Avera-McKennan or the donor’s choice.