Mildred Steveken

Millie Steveken (91) passed from this world on August 6, 2023, after a long and full life.

Millie Steveken was born Mildred Marcella Koppy on July 15, 1932, to Norbert and Kathryn Koppy in St. Paul, MN. Growing up with her 5 siblings she enjoyed many snow sports, summer sports, and time at the lake.  She married Robert (Bob) Steveken on September 22, 1956 and they were blessed with 6 children.  The family moved from St. Paul, MN to Moorhead, MN, to Omaha, NE, to South Bend, IN, and to Houston, TX.  Retirement took them to a lake in Hot Springs, AR, the town where they began their life together honeymooning decades before.  Several years after Bob passed away, Millie left Hot Springs, returning to South Bend to be closer to her family. 

Millie’s first priority was raising her family of 6 children, but her love for painting was a lifetime pursuit as well.  She continued her art education perfecting her skills after her schooling at St. Mary’s in Winona and the St. Paul School of Art. She followed her passion for art by travelling the world, painting beautiful watercolors with her sister and art friends.  She was part of an art gallery and taught watercolor classes. She was a very talented and accomplished artist, winning many awards and accolades as well as selling much of her work. In addition to painting, she was actively involved in the community, participating in church activities, social groups, and volunteering.  She enjoyed playing games, golfing, boating, campfires, and the outdoors.  Her favorite memories were times when the family would gather, whether it was summer at Kreighle Lake in MN with the Koppy’s or holidays with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was always busy and one of her favorite quotes was “Never sit idle.”

Millie is survived by 5 of her children, Greg (Peggy) Steveken, Susan (Steve) Paeplow, Molly (Ed) Hinz, Sara (Jim) Hoerth, Mike (Liz) Steveken. 14 grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Cole, Riley, Michael, Cheryl, Brittney, Austin, Ben, Jack, Emily, Robert, Kate, and Anna.  8 great grandchildren, Tatum, Rhett, Judson, Theo, Dax, Molly, Brady, and Ripley.   4 siblings, Marion Henry, Marge Lyons, Tom (Judy) Koppy, Bernice (Tom) Christian.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Ann, husband Bob, sister Kathleen and parents Norbert and Kathryn.

She was a dearly loved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend, and will be missed deeply.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 in Christ the King Catholic Church.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday in the church.

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