Stephen "Steve" J. Samek

Beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Stephen (Steve) Joseph Samek, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 11, 2025 at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN.

Steve was born on August 3, 1942 and delivered by his grandmother, Mary Stransky Samek, on a small farm near Dickinson, ND. He was the thirteenth child of fifteen children born to James and Mary (Zastoupil) Samek. He moved to Wimbledon, ND, when he was 8 months old and attended Dover Township Grade School for his first eight grades where he was the only student in his class for most of the years. He graduated from Wimbledon High School in 1960.

Steve worked as a telegrapher for the Soo Line and Great Northern Railroad. In October 1964, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served at the Headquarters VII Corps in Stuttgart, Germany, as a stenographer for the Chief of Staff. Upon returning home, he attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, ND, graduating with a Certificate in Carpentry and Cabinet Making and later worked for the U.S. Postal Service in New Rockford, ND. In 1978, he joined Ladish Malting in Spiritwood, ND, where he worked until his retirement in 2004.

At the age of 12, Steve began teaching himself to play the guitar, later picking up the accordion, following in his dad’s footsteps. Completely self-taught, he learned everything by ear, developing a natural talent that allowed him to play effortlessly. Throughout the years, he played in several bands on weekends, recorded multiple CDs of his music, and generously shared them with those who enjoyed his talent. After retirement, he continued sharing his love of music by performing at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

On April 27, 1968, Steve married the love of his life, Karen Ann Steffen, of Edmore, ND. They were married at Assumption Catholic Church in Starkweather, ND. Together, they built a beautiful life, residing in New Rockford, Devils Lake, and Jamestown before settling in Alexandria, MN, to be closer to their children.

Despite working full-time, Steve found time to build their family home in Jamestown, ND where they lived for 34 years. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, and VFW. He also loved fishing in the many lakes of North Dakota.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Karen; his four children: Michael (Mae) Samek of Fargo, ND; MaryAnn (Greg) Ault of Maple Grove, MN; Lisa (Dave) Rogers of Sparks, NV; and Karla (Brandon) Jackson of Minnetrista, MN; his cherished grandchildren: Aleisha, Alex, Sierra, Megan, Carson, Zachary, Annalise, and Alexis; and great-granddaughter Ava. He is also survived by his siblings: Frank (Deb) Samek of Fargo, ND; Bertha Lorenz of Fond du Lac, WI; and Vitres Samek of Blue Earth, MN, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Mary Samek; his brothers: Valentine, George, Laudie, Wensel, Bernard, and Benny Samek; and his sisters: Georgie Ann Cherney, Mary Albrecht, Mildred Clarys, Margaret Haugen, and Patricia Cherney, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and a child lost in pregnancy, who remained forever in his and Karen’s hearts.

A Knights of Columbus Rosary and prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. James Basilica Church in Jamestown, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. James Basilica Church with full military honors accorded. A reception will follow the service at the church. Private family interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria, MN.

Steve’s music, storytelling, laughter, and kindness touched many lives, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.