Steven L. Onstad, age 66, of Andover, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at his home.

Born to Russell and LaVerne (nee Velk) Onstad in 1950, Steve grew up in Blaine and attended Spring Lake Park High School.  After graduation, he went to Mankato State and became a high school teacher.  A talented instructor with a gift in connecting with students, he taught social studies, driver education, and coached several sports, beginning in Two Harbors and later in other school districts throughout the state.  Following graduate work at the University of St. Thomas, he was an assistant professor at St. Cloud State University for 13 years.

He met Lori in 1981 and through nearly 35 years of marriage, they never stopped making each other laugh.  They poured their lives into raising two kids and two dogs.

Steve loved fishing at Lake of the Woods, always searching for those elusive walleye.  He also continued the hunting tradition on the family farm near Winger, MN, with son, Kyle.  He enjoyed taking the dogs to the park, traveling, World War II history, and laughing with family and friends.  His perseverance and determination through his disability for the last 35 years was nothing short of admirable. Nothing held him back.

While the past 5 years have been a challenge, Steve's family is so grateful for the many friends who were there every step along the way.  Steve had many different personal care attendants helping with his daily care, with Latifat being the constant for 3 1/2 years and, most recently, Melonie also helping in his final months.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and LaVerne. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lori; children, Katy (Leigh Ann) and Kyle (Joanna); grandson, Grady; brother, Jay (Denise); 4 nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; many cousins; and dog, Emma.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View. The family will greet friends and relatives two hours prior to the service at the church (1:00-3:00 p.m.)

Memorials preferred to the Courage Kenny Foundation or to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.