Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - St. Paul

671 Snelling Ave S

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Steven Gurstelle Obituary

1946-2011 Died unexpectedly on April 27, 2011. Preceded in death by father, Harold Gurstelle. Survived by mother, Alice Gurstelle; wife, Carol Ruder Gurstelle; daughters, Emily Gurstelle (Ken Kralick) and Joanna Gurstelle (Michael McMillen); grandfather of Elise Gurstelle and "bonus" grandfather and fishing buddy of William Kralick; siblings, Carol Fuerstenau (Glen Fuerstneau), Wendy Jaffe (Barry Jaffe), and William Gurstelle (Karen Hansen); brother-in-law, Art Ruder (Elaine). Also missed by many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and an amazing number of long-time friends. Steve was a dentist in Spring Lake Park and Blaine for over 35 years, and developed close relationships with both his staff and patients. He treated all with honesty and integrity. A forced early retirement gave him the opportunity to spend more time doing the things he loved: enjoying his cabin in northern Wisconsin where he fished and worked on an extensive vegetable garden, golf and tennis, travel and volunteer activities. He was a member of the "flight crew" at the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, but was most proud to have completed the training at the University to become a Master Gardener. Steve will be remembered for his fabulous tomato sauce, excellent from-scratch pizza crusts, and gallons of home-made pickles. For 50 years, he made an annual fishing trip with childhood friends, "supervising" the organizing and provisioning for the venture. He took to heart his Boy Scout training to "be prepared" and never underpacked. Funeral services THUR-SDAY (TODAY) 12:00 noon, MOUNT ZION TEMPLE, 1300 Summit Avenue, St. Paul. In recognition of Steve's favorite item of apparel, plaid flannel shirts are appropriate attire. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Master Gardener Fund or the Raptor Center c/o University of Minnesota Foundation, C-M 3854, P.O. Box 70870 St. Paul, MN 55170. SHIVA: Thursday 7pm, 2353 Youngman Ave., St. Paul in the Community Room, family and friends will also be gathering Friday 7pm at the same location. Hodroff-Epstein 651-698-8311 www.hodroffepstein.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Apr. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Gurstelle

Not sure what to say?





July 15, 2011

I went to Aberdeen Dental for my six month check up. That was when I heard of the sad passing. I went to Dr. Gurstelle since the 1970's. He came to his office special on a Christmas Day to do work on my abcess tooth. The family is in my prayers. Elaine Kramer/Laib Coon Rapids

Colleen Christensen

July 4, 2011

I was surprised to hear of the news of Dr. Gurstelle's death at such a young age. Steve Gurstelle has been my dentist for over 30 years & our daughters' dentist growing up. He was very personable, kind and straightforward. He put in some great front teeth for me that I love! I send my sympathy to the family. I did not get to meet you but my daughters were about the same age. When I commented on some decor at the office, he thanked his wife for her expertise. I'm so sorry for your loss. I send you thoughts of positive memories of a very wonderful human being. Blessings

Gail Kitner

June 2, 2011

To the Gurstelle family.
I was one of Dr. G's first patients back in 1972 and stayed with him until his retirement. He was so wonderful and kind. May your sweet and loving memories carry you through this so sad loss.
Sincerely, Gail Kitner

May 3, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the family

Steve Farsht

May 2, 2011

Carol,
We were so sad to hear the news. My mom has treasured her relationship with you and Steve since 7th grade. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your children. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Love, Steve, Stef, Sami and Alex

Marilyn Elsenpeter

April 30, 2011

Our sympathy to Dr Gurstelle's family and staff. He was our only family dentist and was wonderful to my family, even coming in on a Superbowl Sunday to fix Bob's tooth. I was shocked to learn of his passing and will always remember him fondly.

Isabel Magidson

April 30, 2011

I am sad and stunned by this news, and so sorry. Steve was the personification of energy annd spontaneity. I will be in touch soon. Isabel.

louisa nelson

April 29, 2011

Dear family of Dr. Gurstelle,
My deepest sympathy's go out to you and your family. I was fortunate enough to have a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Gurstelle for over 30 years. My children and husband were also under his care. Not only was he thorough and fair with his treatment of myself and family, he was personable and made me feel like I really mattered as a patient. My 32 year old son sat in his chair more then his fair share of time, yet he was never afraid to visit the dentist. He started calling him Dr. Freddy at a very young age. Neither Dr. Gurstelle or myself ever figured out where that came from. I have missed not having him as my dentist this past year, but I am glad that he was able to enjoy a slice of his retirement years. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Louisa Nelson, Champlin MN

Richard Kirschner

April 28, 2011

A St. Paul cousin sent me the obituary for Steve. I am very sorry for the family's loss. I recall Steve from Boy Scouts, Hebrew School, and other connections. Good memories. It has been a long, long time since I lived in MN, but when I was visiting last December, the Gurstelle family came up from my Schechter relatives at the Sholom place. We all had made regular visits to the ever friendly & helpful Harold's drugstore, which was 2 blocks from my grandparents' home. Memories and good deeds are what help us when we suffer the loss of family and friends.

Linda Olson

April 28, 2011

What sadness fills my heart as I read on the Aberdeen Dental website of the loss of Dr. Gurstelle. I moved to MN fresh out of college in 1986 and knew virtually no one. Dr. Gurstelle was recommended to me by the family I was living with. I enjoyed his dental care for more than 20 years and was sorry to see him retire. We had a ritual--I would remind him before he looked in my mouth that he was to find NO CAVITIES! Then, he would look and I would come back in 6 months! Once or twice, I forgot and then he would find one. I always teased him that he must have been planning a vacation or fishing trip and needed a little extra cash! He was a dear sweet man and I am grateful for his care and kindness through the years. Blessings to those who loved him.

Peggy Kane

April 28, 2011

Dear Alice
I've known the loss of parents
Loss of spouse 'n siblings too
But in my imagination that's totally wild
Can I imagine the pain of losing a child
My deepest sympathies to you 'n your family
Much love, Peggy

Mary Richardson

April 28, 2011

Carol and family,heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Dr. Gurstelle. Many a memories of him during ten years of employment at the dental office. May he rest in peace.

Amy Engman

April 28, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I attended the Master Gardener program with Steve and carpooled a few times. We had numerous conversations about his cabin and , or course, vegetable gardening, which I enjoyed very much. Again, I am sorry for your loss.

Jay Klein

April 28, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Carol and family. I got to know Steve when I was staying with Mary Beth and Dan Shannon during my college days. Will never forget Steve and his ever present pipe.

Maureen Lerum

April 28, 2011

Steven was the best boss ever!!! The service for him was wonderful. I re-lived memories, I laughed, I cried but most of all I loved. My heart goes out to you and the family.

April 28, 2011

To Steve's family: I'm so shocked and sad to hear of Steve's death. He and I car pooled to the arboretum for our MG training. I enjoyed our long conversations while traveling to and from. Although I didn't know Steve long I came to appreciate his love of family and nature. I will truly miss him.
Jerry Horgan

Keith Winston

April 28, 2011

Carol, Alice and family,
Our condolences on the untimely passing of Steve.
Many fond memories of many years past.
God bless you all.
Keith, Jon Winston & families

Jim Litman

April 28, 2011

Carol and family,
Finding the right words to write are always difficult at a time like this. I am so sorry to hear this news. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss of Steve.

April 28, 2011

My sincere sympathy to your family.

Sharon O'Connor
Ramsey County Master Gardener

Julie Weisenhorn, state director, UMN Ext Master Gardener Program

April 28, 2011

Our deepest condolences to Steve's family from the UMN Extension Master Gardener Program. We are quite certain Steve is now in charge of the greatest garden ever.

Marcy Strauss

April 28, 2011

Carol and family,
Our thoughts are with you and we send our feelings of deepest sympathy.
Sent with love,
Marcy and Wayne

George Halverson

April 28, 2011

Dr. Gurstelle was a tenant of our shared building for many years as well as being a valued account of our dental laboratory. Our condolences to the family and friends at this most difficult time. He was dedicated to his profession and his patients.God bless you all.

Dan and Mary Beth Shannon

April 28, 2011

Authentic,generous,and wise. Grounded,kind,simply the best. A perfect friend, neighbor, and colleague. We are going to miss you more than one can imagine.

April 28, 2011

We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Gurstelle family. We will remember Steve for his great stories and marvelous sense of humor.

Terry and Mary Hoffmann
St. Anthony Village

Sheila King

April 28, 2011

Carol and family,
Hugs to you all from Nebraska. Wish I could be there today!
Sheila King

The O'Keefe Family

April 28, 2011

We are sorry to hear of Dr. Gurstelle's passing, he was the only dentist my family liked to see. Our condolences to your family, he will be remembered as the best dentist by many.

Steve Moravec

April 28, 2011

Carol and Family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!

April 28, 2011

Dr. Gurstelle was an AMAZING dentist. He eased my fears and never made me feel ashamed of my fear of the dentist. His gentle and kind words made my visits pleasant. I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person.
Dana Seguin

Steve Moravec

April 28, 2011

Carol and Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Glen

April 28, 2011

Peace to the family and friends of
Dr. Steven M. Gurstelle.

Jay Weinblatt

April 28, 2011

My deepest condolences to all of Steve's family.
A Highland Jr. High and Central HS classmate
Jay Weinblatt.

Ralph Menard

April 28, 2011

I was stunned to hear of Steve's passing. I was one of Steve's first patients after he joined Dr. Richards practice, back in the 1970's. Steve was a very good man. Honest, kind, and centered come to mind when I think of him. He always put his patients interest first. We will miss you Steve!

Diane Shannon Sleeman

April 28, 2011

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing.

Bob Pagel

April 28, 2011

Dear Gurstelle Family,

My condolences to you for losing Steve. I knew him to be a gentleman when I worked at Excel Dental Studios downstairs from his office in Spring Lake Park in the 1970s-80s.

April 28, 2011

I am shocked and saddened by Steve's passing. Deepest condolences to all of his family. I know he will be missed by many.
Bob and Deb Winston.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Steven Gurstelle's name

Memorial Events
for Steven Gurstelle

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - St. Paul

671 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116

How to support Steven's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Steven Gurstelle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more