Date of Birth:
Sunday, February 20, 1949
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Age:
76 years old

Steven Niedfeldt

It is with a deep sadness that we tell you of the death of Steven Alan Niedfeldt.

Steve was 76 years old at the time of his death and resided in Rochester MN with his Son David and his Wife Debra. He died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at their home in Rochester MN with his loved ones near.

Steve was born February 20, 1949, to Dick and Jean Niedfeldt in Anoka, MN. Steve’s family moved from Anoka to Canton MN in 1956. There he attended Canton Elementary School and graduated from Mabel – Canton-consolidated High School in 1967.

After High School Steve joined the Army in 1969. After Basic Training he tested and was investigated and invited to become a part of the NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY (NSA). Steve thought this was a good idea since he had been informed that NSA staff was not stationed in Vietnam. A big surprise was waiting for Steve. Steve ended up going to Vietnam under the guise of being a Marine for a year. Steve tracked Russian Aircraft and ended up in Washing- ton DC, serving with the NSA until his discharge in 1972.

Steve worked summers on several farms. He became and stayed friends with many of the farmers and their families throughout his life. At about age 13 he began working with his father Diedrich (Dick) Niedfeldt at Dick’s Electric in Canton MN. He worked as an Electrician for many years and learned most of what he knew and his work ethic from his father Dick. He eventually obtained his Master Electrician’s License. He worked several years restoring the

Jail House Inn located in Preston MN and was very proud of his accomplishments there. Steve also worked as a Mechanical and Electrical Inspector for the City of Rochester for over 10 years. Steve always enjoyed developing and creating new systems. Mostly he loved working through and solving problems for people.

Steve’s intelligence was something he was proud of and continued to use it and improve it to the end of his life.

Steve and Deb were married in 1980 and in 1988 while restoring the Jail House Steve and Deb’s Son David was born. Steve was a good parent and a great teacher to David. As David

grew up, the two of them were very close. They worked together on the multiple E-Bikes that Steven had built from scratch. They took walks, rode bikes, watched the news and discussed history together. One of Steve’s last real smiles was when a Hospice nurse told him what a good job he had done raising his Son. David was his ’Pride and Joy’.

Steve is survived by his Son David Louis Fritz Niedfeldt age 36 of Rochester, MN; His wife Debra (Voigt) Niedfeldt; two sisters, Susan (Ron) Kurth of St. Charles and Candace (Dan) McElroy of Rochester. Steve has many brother and sisters-in-law whom he loved and were his friends. He enjoyed their company and arguing with them regularly.

He is survived by a multitude of Nieces and Nephews, many of whom were dear to his heart.

Steve was also blessed with many dear friends who added to his life in so many ways.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father Dick and Jean Niedfeldt; an infant Broth- er Roger Lee; and an infant Sister Nancy Lee; and a Nephew Tom McElroy.

The GATHERING for ‘REMEMBERING STEVE’ will be from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. on April 24, 2025, the program will begin at 4:30 with dinner following at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the Rochester MESS HALL – VFW in Rochester MN.

Steve requested that part of his ashes be scattered at his favorite outdoor location by a stream where he and David walked many times. The other part of the ashes will be buried at a location of David’s choosing.

NO FLOWERS Please— at Steve’s request (If you knew Steve you will understand this)

In lieu of Flowers David requests that memorial gifts be given towards Papa’s Tombstone.