Stephen James Fleming

STEPHEN JAMES FLEMING, age 71, of Elysian, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Born on June 13, 1954 in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Max Fleming and Margaret (Hatfield) Fleming, who migrated east before settling in Owatonna, MN. Steve graduated from the Southern School of Agriculture in 1972. He then attended the University of Minnesota agricultural school in Waseca before becoming a Journeyman Pipefitter for Olympic Fire Protection. He was a proud union member of Local 669, and he believed in equality for all.

Steve met his wife-to-be, Vicki Veien, at an outdoor party after she had a wardrobe malfunction. He offered Vicki a ride home on the back of his Triumph motorcycle for a quick change, which would turn into 48 years of wedded bliss . The couple married on August 13, 1977, and proudly raised a daughter and two sons.

An avid fisherman and outdoorsman, he led annual camping trips to Lake Mille Lacs and to the Mountain West, sharing his love of history about the various landmarks they visited. He was a Boy Scout Den Leader, member of Owatonna Curling Club, and achieved his lifelong dream of obtaining a pilot’s license. He later moved his family to a farm outside of Elysian, so that they could experience the life he grew up with when he was a kid farming alongside his dad and brother.

Steve could fix anything, he was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed annual hunting trips to Northern Minnesota at the family cabin every November with siblings, sons, grandsons, and lifelong friends. Steve was a hard working man that provided for his family and he did not call in sick a day in his life. He was loved by all and shared his passions and knowledge with his own children, whether you agreed with him or not. Steve had an immense heart and welcomed the friends of his children and grandchildren as his own.

Steve is survived by his wife Vicki, children Jessica (Dan) Greenwood, Jonathan (Rebecca) Fleming, Daniel (Missy) Fleming. Grandchildren Trevor, Madisson, Max, Oliver, Reid, Ophelia, Ezra, Dylan and Jayden. Siblings Mary Kruger, Rita (Dale) Seath, Jeff (Sherri) Fleming, Ralph Fleming, Keith (Kelly) Fleming, sister-in-law Lisa (Steve) Vaith, stepfather-in-law Richard Hegal, stepmother-in-law Mary Veien and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Margaret, father-in-law Warren Veien, mother-in- law Norma Hegal, and brother Pierce (Delores) Fleming.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Ellendale. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM on Tuesday and continue until the time of the service at church.