Steven Stefano

Steven Stefano Age 53 of Hugo, passed away on Aug. 20 after a courageous six-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Steve was one of five children born to Jean Marie Ackey and Leonard Stefano. He graduated from North St. Paul High School, where he demonstrated his phenomenal athleticism as the starting quarterback on the football team. While in High School, he met Kristine (Kris) Lynn Philips, to whom he was married to since September 14, 1990. He was a wonderful husband and father. Steve loved spending time with his family. The most anticipated part of each year was his annual trip up north with Kris and their son Zach, when they would spend their time fishing and enjoying each other’s company. Steve also cherished the time spent with his friends who knew him as “Stiffy.” Always funny and outgoing, Steve was most remembered by those closest to him as the person who would drop everything to help others. Sunday afternoons were reserved for Steve’s favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings. He was an avid sportsman who could often be found fishing on the lake or running outside with his Labrador, Jazzy. In October 2011, Steve was diagnosed with ALS. Though his journey was difficult, you’d never know it based on his ever-positive spirit. While fighting the disease, Steve made it his mission to help all who suffer with ALS. He became an advocate to increase awareness and advance funding for research, working closely with Minnesotan legislators. He also fundraised in his community, participating annually in the Minnesota Walk to Defeat ALS, alongside Team Stefano. Steve will be remembered for his impact on the fight to end ALS. He is preceded in death by his grandpa Pete Stefano; and his grandma, Tillie Ackey. He is survived by his wife of almost 27 years, Kristine “Kris” Stefano of Hugo; his son, Zach Stefano of Hugo; his mother, Jean Marie Stefano; his father, Leonard (Patty) Stefano; his siblings, Jimmy (Marci) Stefano of Oregon, Shaun (Steve) Collier of Marine on St. Croix, Mark Stefano of Montana, and Gina (Chad) Lewis of Owatonna; his brother-in-law, Scott (Karen) Phillips; his sister-in-law, Debra Phillips; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family and friends. Visitation 4-8PM on Monday (8/28) at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11AM on Tuesday (8/29) at the St. John the Baptist Site of St. Genevieve Catholic Parish, 14383 Forest Blvd. N, Hugo with visitation from 10-11AM. Celebration of Life luncheon to follow at the American Legion in North St. Paul.