Steve Dobson

Steve Ray Dobson, age 77, passed away on August 6, 2025, at 12:03 PM with family by his side. Born on September 19, 1947, Steve lived a life marked by grit, craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to the people and passions that mattered most to him.

He was the son of Marshall Dobson and Helen (Chesley) Dobson, and grew up alongside his siblings: Timothy Marshall Dobson, Susan May (Dobson) Thronson Holm, and Laurie (Dobson) Addis.

In 1966, Steve met Kathy (Leffler) Dobson in Delano, MN, and they married on May 4, 1968. Their bond was enduring and unwavering-Steve loved Kathy with all his heart, and together they built a life rooted in loyalty and shared strength.

Steve worked hard to provide for his family. He began his career in the Job Corps, where he learned valuable skills and developed a strong work ethic. From there, he became a roofer, tackling tough jobs with determination. Eventually, he found his true calling as a welder-a craft he took pride in and pursued with passion. Whether fabricating parts or repairing equipment, Steve's welding work was precise, practical, and deeply satisfying to him.

He was proud of his daughters: Kim Dobson, BobbyJo Stevens, and Holly Hoy. He raised them to be strong, independent women, instilling in them a sense of grit and self-reliance that reflected his own approach to life. Though not always easy to understand, Steve's way of showing care was through action-fixing things, teaching skills, and standing firm when it mattered.

He had a deep appreciation for storytelling and was always ready to "tell you a good one," reliving tales from his past with vivid detail and a twinkle in his eye. Whether recounting a hunting trip, a garage mishap, or a moment from his youth, Steve's stories were a window into the life he lived and the lessons he carried.

Steve's life was filled with hands-on pursuits. He found solace in fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling with friends. His garage was his workshop and retreat, where he welded, tinkered, and crafted homemade decoys with pride. Toward the end of his life, Steve discovered peace through beading and music therapy at the hospitals where he stayed-quiet moments that brought him comfort and reflection.

He also cherished simple pleasures: visiting Smokey the Bear in International Falls, MN, and spending time by the river at the old Hoy farm. These places held meaning for Steve-reminders of nature, family, and the quiet beauty of northern Minnesota.

He was always willing to help someone in need, often without fanfare or fuss. Steve's legacy is complex, shaped by both strength and struggle. He will be remembered for his loyalty, his craftsmanship, and the quiet ways he showed up for those he cared about. His story lives on in the independence of his daughters, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the memories held by those who knew him best.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Helen Dobson; his siblings Timothy Dobson and Susan Thronson Holm; and his one-eyed cat, Tippy-a scrappy companion who matched Steve's spirit and kept him company through many quiet days.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy Dobson; his daughters Kim Dobson, BobbyJo Stevens, and Holly Hoy (Preston Hoy); his sister Laurie Addis; his grandchildren: Larissa (Pool) and Nick Jaskowiak, Jesse (Pool) and Austin Gertgen, Brent Stevens, Brady Stevens, Savannah Hoy, Maddy Pion, and Noah Hoy; his great-grandchildren: Addelynn, Brantley and Ariel Stevens, Grayson and Harper Black; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Lindford Christian Fellowship at 10:00 am followed by a luncheon. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Following the luncheon, the family will travel to Bagley City Cemetery in Bagley, MN for burial, expected to take place around 2:00 PM.