Stephen Paul Tempel

Stephen “Steve” Paul Tempel, age 82, of Morgan, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan, Minnesota, with lunch to follow. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. The Sturm Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Springfield, Minnesota, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Steve was born on October 30, 1942, in Springfield, Minnesota, at St. John’s Hospital, to Paul and MaryAnn (Hornick) Tempel. He was baptized and confirmed into his faith at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan where he was a life-long member. Steve was a graduate of Morgan High School class of 1960. On August 17, 1968, Steve was united in marriage to Janice Lorraine Utz at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Springfield. They shared 57 wonderful years together. Steve was raised in a Christian home alongside his siblings — three sisters and two brothers. He showed an interest in carpentry at a very young age; by thirteen, he was already employed building cabinets. Later, he laid block as a block tender before finding his true calling in general carpentry. Over the years, he built countless homes, sheds, and structures, taking great pride in being part of new developments throughout Springfield, Morgan, and the surrounding communities. He often shared stories of working with his brothers and sisters — each bringing something special to the job. Before retirement, hunting was a big part of his life. He was a crack shot who rarely missed, and the deer hunts near Cedar Mountain were his favorites. Those hunts meant Mom was making sauerkraut, and the uncles and cousins were on their way — some driving up from near the Iowa border. Steve loved his family deeply. He could trace a family tree from memory and likely knew how most local families connected. Over the years, he checked off several adventures from his bucket list through travel - most likely driving a Toyota. Steve had a special love for babies, shared with his wife Janice. No matter what kind of day he had, he left his troubles at the door and let the kids pile on for playtime or join the kids in the pool, jumping in right after work – work clothes and all. A time filled with laughter, warmth, and love.In retirement, Steve enjoyed calling relatives to catch up on life – sharing news about the family, talking about new babies, job changes, and the everyday happenings that kept everyone connected. He loved staying in the loop and always wanted to know how everyone was doing. Steve will be remembered most for his deep love of his wife and family. He was happiest when helping others — whether a family member, friend, or stranger. His kind heart, friendly spirit, and gift for conversation touched everyone he met.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janice Tempel of Morgan, Minnesota; and their eight children, 23 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Melissa (Scott) Trebesch and their children Sierra and Rachel of Glencoe, Minnesota; Jennie (Mike) Neyers, and their children Michaela and Jenna of Glencoe, Minnesota; Sara Tempel and her children Alexis (Chase), Malakai, Ezekiel, Elijah of Franklin, Minnesota; Katie (Jared) Madsen and their children Rosalyn (Treston) Mathiowetz, Hunter of Franklin, Minnesota; John (Kate) Tempel and their children Taylor (Aubrey, Chase, Tucker), Shayla, Iliana, Margaret, Theodore, Wilder of Clements, Minnesota; Laura (Adam) Suess and their children Vincente, Rose, Scarlett of Hanska, Minnesota; Emily (Truth) Tempel and their children Eloise of Mankato, Minnesota; Bridget (Jacob) Yurek and their children Cash, Zane, Liesl of Dassel, Minnesota.

He is also survived by brother Dennis (Joleen) Tempel, sisters Jeanne (Greg) Green and Rita (Terry) Nelson, sister-in-law Betty Tempel, and brother-in-law Dale (Janet) Tauer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and MaryAnn Tempel, brother Rodney Tempel, and sister Margaret Tauer. 

Steve’s legacy of love, generosity, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.