David Lloyd Steffenson

David Lloyd Steffenson, age 64, of Rochester, MN died on April 28, 2022. David was born on June 3, 1957 to Lloyd and Helen (Trausch) Steffenson in New Richmond, Wisconsin. David was baptized into God's Kingdom on June 16, 1957 at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond, WI. He was confirmed, married and ordained at First Lutheran. His firstborn son was also baptized at First Lutheran. David attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduated in 1979 with majors in Business Administration and Religion, and a minor in Greek. He graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN & received his Masters of Divinity in 1983. Pastor Dave met his wife Julie Boelter at Concordia College. They married on October 6, 1979. God blessed them with 3 children, all married, and 7 grandchildren. Pastor Dave served three congregations prior to coming to Emmanuel: Grace Lutheran, Lake Lillian, MN (1983-88); First Lutheran, Little Falls, MN (1988-2004); Mount Cross Evangelical Lutheran, University Place, WA (2004-2013). Pastor Dave was installed as Emmanuel's first pastor on September 14, 2013. Throughout his ministry, Acts 20:24 guided his journey with Christ: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify to the gospel of God's grace." David did graduate work in Israel in 1991. He also received a Lily Endowment Sabbatical Grant, spending 3 months journaling, reading and praying in retreat at Gustavus College, visiting snow-birds and winter Texans down south, and enjoying special time with his wife in Hawaii. David loved to preach and teach, and would often break into song during a sermon. He especially loved spending time with kids: Children's Sermons, Preschool Chapel Time, VBS, Longer and Later Confirmation, Youth Group Activities, and National Youth Gatherings. He had the joy of celebrating congregational milestone anniversaries, and several building programs. David served in many leadership positions. David was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in April of 2020 and began intensive treatment immediately. His oncology team would later say that he was "a walking miracle." His guiding verse throughout his battle with cancer has been, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand"-Psalm 31:14-15a. Pastor Dave would often tell those whom he shepherded that "In Christ, our best years are always ahead of us." He also told his grandchildren that he was spending eternity with Jesus. "Grateful" is a word that David cherished in his life with Christ and with his family. You no doubt heard Pastor Dave say, "We love others best when we love Jesus the most." David was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lloyd & Helen, and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Julie; his brother, Gary & Liz, Garret and Carolyn, MN; children (Joshua & Julie Steffenson, CT; Jenna & Matt Serr, MN; and Rachel & T.J. Cafferty, CO), seven grandchildren (Nora, June, Scarlett, Micah, Josie, Jonah and Hope) and many extended family members. Blessed be the memories of David Lloyd Steffenson. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be given to the Emmanuel Lutheran building fund or New Life Family Services. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester with Rev. Tim Duesenberg officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 PM Friday, May 6, 2022 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The memorial service will be livestreamed on the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page.