Steven J. Elling

1950 - 2025

Steven Jerome Elling, age 75, of Waconia, bravely passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 after a 15-year battle with cancer. His mental fortitude throughout his journey was greatly admired and appreciated by those close to him.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakwood Community Church in Waconia. Gathering of family and friends will take place in the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow the service. A private inurnment service will also occur at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Steve was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend. Steve was born on February 19, 1950 to Kenneth "Bud" and Ramona Elling in Watertown, Minnesota. Steve attended Waconia High School where he met the love of his life, Sharon Schmitt. They were united in marriage on May 29, 1970. After Steve returned from the Vietnam War, he and Sharon were blessed with two children, Jenna and Scott. Steve and Sharon made their home overlooking Lake Waconia, where they lived throughout their 55 years of marriage.

Steve was known for his sense of humor. His one-liners and jokes will live on for many years to come as all five of his grandsons inherited this trait from him. Meaningful friendships were important to Steve. He became friends with Bill W. in 1981 and was proud of his sobriety. Steve also enjoyed spending time daily at McDonalds with his coffee group and monthly lunch outings with his high school buddies. Steve especially cherished the time he spent with his family. Attending his grandsons' sporting events was one of his favorite past times. They brought such joy to his life and he to their lives. His grandsons' unedited words to describe their grandpa are: funny, loving, brave, caring, entertaining, jokester, nice, cool, hardworking, smart, tough, witty, resilient, and "people adore him."

Steve was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Elling; mother Ramona Perron; father-in-law Clarence Schmitt; mother-in-law Winnifred Schmitt; brothers-in-law David Schuler and Steven Schmitt; and nephew Eric Erickson.

Steve is survived by his wife Sharon; children Jenna (Greg) Lange and Scott (Selda) Elling; grandsons Cole Lange, Trevor Lange, Ryan Lange, Riley Elling, and Kaan Elling; brothers Gerry (Karen) Elling, Dan Elling, and Jim (Janet) Elling; sisters-in-law Linda Schuler, Mary (Kendall) Techau, Jane Hedtke, and Diana (Chris) Wagener; brothers-in-law Jim (Cheryl) Schmitt, Rick (Joan) Schmitt, and Clancy (Katie) Schmitt; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Steve's family would like to thank the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and Ridgeview Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.