Stephen Mark Staurseth, 91, formerly of Superior and currently of Chicago, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at Hartwell Place in Chicago.

Stephen was born in Superior on October 12, 1934, the son of Olaf and Dena (Berg) Staurseth.

Steve graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple Wisconsin with the class of 1952. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he met his wife, Delores Schultz. They were married August 25, 1956, in Cable, Wisconsin.

Steve taught high school art in Cloquet MN and Oconomowoc WI early in his career. He and Delores also served as teachers and missionaries in Rhodesia, Africa, for 10 years. After a tragic car accident in Rhodesia that claimed the lives of two of their children, Ruthie and Timmy, the family returned to the Superior area, where he pastored for a year in Port Wing, WI, and then for 25 years at First Covenant Church in Superior, WI.  Steve was also a watercolor painting instructor at WITC in Superior for a number of years.

When not spending time with his family, he enjoyed preaching and teaching, watercolor painting, and music, especially playing guitar and singing Christian hymns and songs of faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores; children, Ruth, Timothy and Michael (Michele) Staurseth; brothers, Bob (Nancy) Staurseth, Ed (Rhoda) Staurseth, and an infant brother; brother-in-law Arthur Schultz.

Steve is survived by his son, Philip (Kerry) Staurseth of Chicago; grandchildren, Colleen (Eddie Wright) Staurseth, Caleb (Madeline) Staurseth, and Erin (Brad) Johnson; his sister-in-law JoAnn Schultz; great-grandchildren Logan, Russell, and Jonah, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation and thanks for the care Steve received at Hartwell Place assisted living facility in Chicago, IL. Along with Paula S, a family friend and companion for Steve while living in Chicago, they cared for our dad (grandpa) faithfully and with love.

Visitation will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the Noon Celebration of Life Memorial Service at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St, Superior.