Watch Steve's Memorial Service

Steve Vesledahl, age 79, of Erskine, MN, died on Monday, March 30, 2026, at his home under the loving care of Hospice and his family.

Steven Ross Vesledahl was born on October 9, 1946, in Crookston, Minnesota, to Alden and Alice (Johnson) Vesledahl. He was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, where his faith and community roots began. Steve attended grade school in Winger and  graduated from McIntosh High School with the Class of 1964. He continued his education at Moorhead State College and later completed his studies at the Wahpeton State School of Science.

Steve began his career working in Minneapolis at the Minnesota Bureau of Engraving before returning home to farm alongside his father. Later joined by his brother Bob, they built an operation centered around agriculture, raising dairy and beef cattle and later focusing on farming. Steve's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Valley Peat with Bob after they retired from farming. He delivered peat and black dirt throughout the area, helping shape countless lake homes, gardens, flower beds, and nurseries.

On December 7, 1968, Steve married Becky (Grundyson). Together they built a life filled with love and raised three children: Mike, Shelly, and Dan.

Steve had a deep passion for life and an endless list of hobbies that he loved sharing with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, and canning—especially his pickles, salsa, and spaghetti sauce. He was known for building tractors, lawn mowers, snowplanes, hydroplanes, and various pieces of farm equipment, always working with his hands and mind. Whether it was tending his garden or getting his pilot's license, Steve took pride in everything he did.

Union Lake held a special place in Steve's heart from the time he was a boy, when he rode bikes and motorcycles there with his brother Bob and cousin Mike to fish. In the early 1980's, Steve and Becky built their home on Union Lake, where they created countless memories with family and friends. In the mid-1980's, Steve and his friend Richard Miner developed Sunset Shores, helping create a community that led to many lifelong friendships.

Steve was happiest when surrounded by others. In the fall, he could often be found with a pickup full of sweet corn, squash, beets, rutabagas, apples, and other vegetables. He was always eager to share with anyone who stopped by.

Hunting and fishing were lifelong passions. Steve made many trips to Walden, Colorado, for elk and mule deer hunting with family and friends, where he formed lasting friendships, including with his good friend Henry Johnson. Back home, Minnesota deer hunting was a cherished tradition spanning generations, from hunting with his father and brother to later years with his children, grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

If Steve wasn't at the local coffee shop, there was a good chance he was at Buffalo Bay on Lake of the Woods chasing walleye and northern pike, or preparing his fish house for winter with his well-known phrase, "It's time to warm up the fish house." He also enjoyed winter spearing trips to Kabetogama and Lake Andrusia.

Steve had a knack for pushing the limits on his outdoor adventures, often creating stories that would be retold for years. Through it all, his sense of humor and love for the experience made every trip memorable.

He also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Arizona, Hawaii, and visits to see his son Dan during his Air Force years in New Mexico and Colorado. Time spent in Texas with Becky's sister Linda (Rick) Smith, and day trips into Mexico, added to his many life experiences.

Above all, Steve cherished his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of his world. He enjoyed sharing his hobbies with them; whether it was teaching them to water ski on Union Lake, sharing his love of the outdoors or just spending time together, those were the moments he was happiest.

Steve was connected to his extended family as well, always interested in the lives of his cousins and valuing time spent visiting with aunts and uncles. He also gave back to his community, serving on various boards and supporting local events in Winger and the surrounding area.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Alice Vesledahl; grandparents, Oscar and Lena Vesledahl, and Oscar and Ida Johnson;  In-laws, Kermit and Bernice Grundyson; many aunts and uncles; and six cousins: Larry Johnson, Renee Rose, Marsha Zahl, Kevin Zahl, Lynn Nornes, and Susan Stromstad.

He is survived by his loving wife Becky; his children: Mike, Shelly (Bai) Lowe, and Dan; his grandchildren: Abby (Andrew) Hillstad, Sammi (Devan) Eull, Bailee (Jordan) O'Brien, Mikayla (Zach) Larson, Katelyn Vesledahl, and Gunnar Vesledahl; his great-grandchildren, Gatsby and Etta Eull; his brother, Bob (Ann) Vesledahl and three nieces: Kari ( Arne ) Olson, Kylie ( Ryan ) Strem and Heidi ( Jeff ) Haaven; his aunt, Marvie Stromstad, sister-in-law, Linda (Rick) Smith; and two nieces, Kim (Shane) Renner and Chris Smith; and many cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN. A Time of Gathering will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.