Steven Michael Aman

Steven M. Aman, formerly of Aberdeen, died peacefully in his home in Brooklyn Park, MN, surrounded by love on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. He was born in Brunswick, ME, May 2, 1967, and spent most of his childhood in Burnsville, MN. Steven graduated from Burnsville Senior High School in 1985 and shortly after moved to Mankato, MN, to attend and graduate from Minnesota State University - Mankato. On July 3, 2011, Christina Rice and Steven Aman were joyfully wed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Steven has enjoyed his life with his new family. He was a loving and caring father and husband. Before moving to Minnesota, Steven helped create, manage and offer ideas and support to South Dakota artists as the art director for the Ward Plaza Artists Showcase and Gallery on Main St. in Aberdeen. Steven created an amazing experience in the gallery for local artists, art enthusiasts looking for a special piece of South Dakota and many who just stopped by to talk to him and learn about the art world. Steven also was CEO of a business called Digital Palette Design and his work helped others envision big changes to large buildings or whole sections of a community. One of Steven's projects was the Redfield Main Street revitalization project but there were also several locations in downtown Aberdeen that Steven helped others envision including the new location of the police department, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Beef Packers and the Wells Fargo Auto buildings. Before moving to South Dakota, Steven lived in Texas for 10 years, operated a Native American Tea sales and distribution site from his home and worked for Aman Collection Service, A.C.S., his father Tom Aman's business. While in college, Steven was injured in an accident that left him paralyzed but this never stopped him from enjoying life. Steven traveled across the United States, loved to ride cruise ships, drove sporty cars, enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing and even parasailing. His faithful little Sheltie dog, Nicholas, was always by his side. Steven was a graduate of the Minnesota Governor's Council on Disability and he traveled to many University campuses as a motivational speaker so he could help enlighten other students about living with disability. He touched thousands of people over the years with his real-life and inspirational stories. Steven was proud of his work as Student Services Coordinator with the Minnesota State University Student Association. He helped to establish many progressive changes on campuses one of which was the development of campus recycling programs in the state of Minnesota. Grateful for having shared Steven's life are his eternal love Christina L. Aman and her sons Lucas and Daren, loving and devoted parents Danielle and Tom Aman of Aberdeen, dear brother Jonathan D. Tkach and sons Garrett and Brady of Eagan, MN, dear brother David A. Aman, partner Brent Burge and son Nathaniel Burge of Ham Lake, MN, step-siblings John B. Aman, wife Jyl Aman of Aberdeen, David T. Aman of Oshkosh, WI, Matt T. Aman of Phoenix, AZ, Carol Sommers, husband Mike Sommers and children Austin and Carley, loving grandparents, Dan and Helen Kidder of Missoula, MT and his birth father. Steven wondered about the world and had questions about practically everything. He was one-of-a-kind and a truly amazing person who touched the lives and hearts of many. His family and close friends were with him over the last few years, months and days, and Steven always appreciated their enduring love and support. We will miss Steven and his strong spirit, loving smile, the way in which he tried to make improvements to everything and everyone he came in contact with, his sense of humor, remarkable thoughts and ideas. He made the world a brighter and better place for all of us. We love and miss him dearly. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 3, 3-7 p.m. at Spitzer Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen. Steven's funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church 1732 S. Main St., Aberdeen. Pastor Marcia Sylvester will officiate. Interment following at Riverside Memorial Cemetery, Aberdeen.