Retired Covenant pastor Stephen Staurseth passed away in Chicago, Illinois, on December 8, 2025. He was 91.
Stephen Mark Staurseth was born October 12, 1934, to parents Olaf and Dena (Berg) Staurseth in Superior, Wisconsin. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple, Wisconsin, in 1952. He continued in higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he met his wife, Delores Schultz. They married in Cable, Wisconsin, on August 25, 1956.
Early in his career, Steve taught high school art in Cloquet, Minnesota, and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He and Delores also served as teachers and missionaries in Rhodesia for ten years. After a tragic car accident in Rhodesia that claimed the lives of children Ruthie and Timmy, the family returned to the Superior area. For a year Steve pastored a church in Port Wing, Wisconsin; then he began serving as pastor of First Covenant Church in Superior, where he served for the next 25 years. He also served for several years as a watercolor painting instructor at Wisconsin Technical College in Superior.
When not spending time with his family, Steve enjoyed preaching and teaching, watercolor painting, and music—especially playing his guitar and singing Christian hymns and songs of faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores; children, Ruth, Timothy, and Michael Staurseth (Michele); brothers, Bob Staurseth (Nancy), Ed Staurseth (Rhoda), and an infant brother; and brother-in-law Arthur Schultz. He is survived by his son Philip Staurseth (Kerry) of Chicago; grandchildren, Colleen Staurseth (Eddie Wright), Caleb Staurseth (Madeline), and Erin Johnson (Brad); 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 the Hartwell Place assisted living facility in Chicago. Along with Paula S., a family friend and companion, they offered loving, faithful care to Steve during his time there.
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, in Superior, Wisconsin.
Peace be to his memory.
