Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Oct 16, 1953 - Jan 21, 2026 (Age 72)
Joan, my deepest condolances on Stephen's passing
Rod Larson
January 27, 2026 | Friend
Really enjoyed out meeting together at HBC- Grandparents Day! A very special man and wonderful family. May God grant you peace, Joan. May your memories warm your heart. God Bless you all.
Joan Reiffenberger
January 25, 2026 | Big Stone City, SD | Acquaintance
Deepest sympathy to Joan & family on the loss of Steve! You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Joan Berry
January 25, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Stephen August Fagerness passed away January 21, 2026, surrounded by family under the compassionate care of Hospice.
Stephen August Fagerness was born on October 16, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota. On December 8, 1953, he was adopted by Harold and Mildred (Studt) Fagerness of rural Jasper, Minnesota, through Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.
Stephen grew up in the Jasper area and graduated from Jasper High School in 1971. He went on to attend South Dakota State University from 1971 to 1975, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. A proud alumnus, Stephen remained a lifelong supporter of South Dakota State University and was an enthusiastic Jackrabbit fan.
Stephen devoted his career to agriculture. He worked at the Farmers Elevator in Rock Valley, Iowa, and later served for more than 20 years as manager of the Hills Beaver Creek Elevator in Hills, Minnesota. His strong work ethic and dedication to the agricultural community was evident throughout his professional life.
He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, Minnesota, and after moving to Sioux Falls in 2003, he attended Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church.
On October 15, 1977, Stephen was united in marriage to Joan Koopsma at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Hudson, South Dakota. Together they raised three children: Christopher, Joshua, and Melissa. Stephen was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with his family.
Stephen enjoyed watching football, gardening, fishing, and cheering on his favorite teams as an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Most of all, he treasured moments spent with his children and grandchildren.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Christopher (Mary), Joshua (Kelli), and Melissa (Alex) Hasek; and his eight grandchildren: Gracie, Ethen, Jed, Elsa, Wally, Amelia, Kate, and Mae.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Fagerness; his parents-in-law, Richard and Margaret Koopsma; and his grandparents, Stephen and Nina Fagerness and August and Louisa Studt.
Memorials may be directed to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Flowerfield Cemetery in Hills, Minnesota, or Lutheran Social Services Adoption Agency.
A Visitation will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5-7 PM at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. A Funeral Service and lunch will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. A burial service will be held following lunch at Flowerfield Cemetery in Hills, MN.
The service will be livestreamed on the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church website at https://spiritofjoy.net
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