Steven "Shuff" Bellanger, age 60, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Sanford Health Systems in Fargo, ND.

Steven V. was born February 27, 1951 in White Earth, MN, the son of Edward J. and June (Peabody) Bellanger. He attended grade school in Naytahwaush before his family moved to Milwaukee, WI. Steve graduated from South Division High School in Milwaukee. He furthered his education at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN. It was there that Steve met his future wife, Ruth LaGarde. The couple made their home together in Minneapolis, MN, for a few years, where their daughter, Briana was born. They moved back to Naytahwaush in 1981 and were officially married in August of 2000.

Over the years, Shuff was employed as a carpenter for many years followed by a counselor at Vocational Rehab. He also worked as an assistant to the carpenter instructor at the college than again as a counselor for the Employment in Training Program. Steve retired in 2010. He also retired from the Twin Lakes Fire Department after 15+ years of service.

Shuff was a sincere and caring individual whose door was always open. If anyone ever needed anything, they could count on him to be there. He and Ruth recently opened their home to two individuals who needed a room and some guidance. Their home is always filled with children and grandchildren and all their activities keeping Shuff busy.

Steven is survived by his wife, Ruth, Naytahwaush; daughters, Briana (Dylen Magney) Bellanger, Naytahwaush, and Angela (Fred) Murray, Naytahwaush; son, Brandon White, Naytahwaush; five grandchildren: Peyton Zornes, Marissa Whirlwindsoldier, Miranda Whirlwindsoldier, Braden Murray and Isabelle Murray; three brothers: Dean (Bun) Bellanger, Waubun, MN, Bernard Bellanger, Milwaukee, WI, and Jason (Dolly) Bellanger, Naytahwaush; one sister, Doreen (Joseph Sr.) Sudar, also of Naytahwaush and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kenny Bellanger and a nephew, Wayne Bellanger.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 1 pm at the Sports Complex in Naytahwaush. Visitation will begin at 5 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2011 with a prayer service at 7 pm and go until time of the service on Monday, all at the Sports Complex.

Burial will be at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.