Steve T. Brand

Steve Brand, age 80, of Lakeville, MN, formerly of Faribault, MN, passed away on April 21 after a long battle with Parkinsons. Steve was lovingly surrounded by his wife and children at Trinity Nursing Home in Farmington, MN, where he resided the past three years.

Steve was born on June 23, 1944, to parents Leo and Ottie (Current) Brand in Sleepy Eye, MN. The family moved to St. James, MN, where he helped out at the family-owned bowling alley. Steve attended Bethlehem Academy after moving to Faribault in 1956 where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball, graduating in 1962. After passing up several professional contract offers, he accepted an offer to play baseball at the University of Minnesota. After having elbow surgery in his sophomore year, Steve wasn’t able to get back to pitching for the Gophers. He enlisted in the US Army and served in Vietnam during 1968. Upon discharge, Steve enrolled at Mankato State and played another year of baseball as a third baseman.

Steve married Maureen (Moe) Seykora of Owatonna, MN, on December 11, 1971, at Litomysl Church. He then started his career as a salesman with State Bond and Mortgage Co. out of New Ulm, MN. He later went out on his own and continued as a sales rep and financial advisor until his retirement at age 70. They had two children, Tony and Holly. Steve and Moe loved to travel, especially Vegas, Hawaii and road trips out west. Yellowstone in the fall was a favorite. Fishing trips up north were also plentiful.

Known by friends as “Cletus,” Steve enjoyed bowling and softball leagues, and played amateur baseball for a few town ball teams. He was named to the Minneapolis Sportsmen’s Club All-State Squad in 1962 and was later inducted into the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame.

Family time and grandkids were a special source of pride for Steve, and he rarely missed a trip up to the cities to watch their activities. Cabin time on Leech Lake was a highlight through the years where he loved taking them fishing in the harbor, riding on the golf cart and for ice cream treats. Naps with grandpa were also highly encouraged.

Steve is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maureen, son Tony (Carrie) of Eagan, MN, daughter Holly (Simmon) of Apple Valley, MN, brothers Bernie (Dona) of San Antonio, TX, John (Lola) of Faribault, MN, and Ben (Carol) of Plantation, FL, grandchildren Josh, Brady and Sami Schaefer and Lauren, Sophia and Olivia Brand, several brothers- and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Leo and Ottie, Vera Brand, in-laws Clem and Eugenia Seykora, brothers-in-law Paul Seykora and Bill May, and sisters-in-law Candy Stoner Brand and Camella Kearney.

The family would like to thank the many Trinity staff and hospice caregivers who provided great care to Steve. Also special mention of life-long friend, Jack Reuvers, and the many friends who have been such a big part of Steve’s life.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating. Interment will be held at the Current Family Cemetery near New Ulm, MN.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School in memory of Steve.