Support Steven Olmstead's Family in His Memory

Steven David Olmstead

July 7, 1992 – November 19, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven David Olmstead, age 32, on November 19, 2024. Steven was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend whose life touched countless people through his unwavering faith, his love for others, and his passion for helping those in need. Steven passed after a courageous battle with mental health challenges. His family hopes to honor his memory by encouraging others to seek support, compassion, and connection in times of need.

Steven was born on July 7, 1992, in Burnsville, Minnesota, to Jill and David Olmstead. In 1994,

Steven became a big brother when his sister, Christine (Cricky), was born. From the beginning, their bond was extraordinary—more like best friends than siblings. They shared countless adventures, endless laughter, and a connection that was unshakable. Steven’s natural protectiveness and boundless care for Christine created a lifelong relationship filled with love, joy, and a profound understanding of one another.

From a young age, Steven developed a strong connection to the outdoors, fostered by both of his grandfathers. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing, with trips to the Boundary Waters holding a special significance in his life. These experiences, shared with family and friends, brought him peace and joy, creating lasting memories and deepening his bond with loved ones. His passion for nature remained a guiding force throughout his life, grounding him and nurturing his relationships.

Steven demonstrated a natural talent for sports, excelling in football and baseball. As a proud member of the 2008 Burnsville Traveling Baseball Team, he contributed to the team’s state championship win, coached by his father. This experience not only strengthened Steven’s love for the game but also deepened the bond he shared with his father, who was both his coach and biggest supporter. Through baseball, Steven formed lifelong friendships that became a cherished part of his life. His passion for the sport continued into his college years, where he remained devoted to the game. In addition to team sports, Steven also had a passion for ping pong, showcasing his competitive spirit and quick reflexes.

During his high school years, Steven made the pivotal decision to dedicate his life to Christ, a choice that would shape the rest of his journey. His baptism was a profound and meaningful moment in his spiritual walk, symbolizing his deep commitment to following God. Steven became an integral part of the youth group at Illumination Church, where he found a supportive community and forged lifelong friendships. He played an active role in organizing youth retreats and outreach events, stepping into leadership positions that allowed him to inspire others through his words and actions. His faith was the bedrock of his life, and he was known for his heart for service and for helping others in any way he could.

Steven pursued his passion for ministry by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies from both North Central University and Liberty University. While attending North Central, Steven played on the Rams baseball team, continuing his athletic pursuits while balancing his academic and spiritual growth. One of his proudest moments as a Rams player was having the opportunity to play in the Metrodome, a highlight that showcased his skill and love for the sport. It was also during this time that Steven embraced his love for music, collaborating with friends to write and perform songs that expressed his faith, creativity, and heart for others. His music became an avenue through which he shared his beliefs and connected with others in meaningful ways.

It was also at North Central that Steven met the love of his life, Hope. Their connection was immediate, and they quickly became inseparable. The two shared a deep bond, rooted in mutual respect, love, and faith. Steven admired Hope’s strength, kindness, and unwavering support, while she found inspiration in his creativity, determination, and devotion to their family. Together, they were not only partners in life, but best friends who faced every challenge and celebrated every triumph hand in hand. On March 3, 2017, Steven and Hope were married on Bonita Beach in Florida, surrounded by loved ones. They celebrated their union with a honeymoon in Hawaii, one of Steven’s favorite places in the world.

Steven’s passion for music and ministry continued to grow, leading him to collaborate with his close friend, Benjamin Fox, to create a CD titled Role Breaking. The album showcased Steven’s talent for songwriting and his ability to convey powerful messages of faith through music. Steven, Hope, and Ben performed throughout the Midwest, sharing their music with churches, youth groups, and community events, touching many lives along the way.

After college, Steven's calling to serve others led him to become a youth pastor at Faribault Evangelical Free Church, where he poured his heart into mentoring young people and helping them grow in their faith. He worked tirelessly to create a welcoming, supportive environment for the youth in his care. Later, Steven’s compassion expanded beyond the church as he began working in housing services, where he helped families in need secure stable housing. He approached this work with great empathy and dedication, believing deeply in the importance of providing a safe space for people to thrive.

Steven’s commitment to service continued when he and Hope moved to Clear Lake, Iowa, where Steven volunteered at Zion Lutheran Church. He helped organize outreach programs and continued his ministry work, providing encouragement and hope to those in need. Through his music, his ministry, and his dedication to serving others, Steven left an indelible mark on the communities he touched.

On January 5, 2021, Steven and Hope’s greatest joy arrived when they welcomed their son, Isaac David, into the world. Becoming a father brought Steven unparalleled joy and fulfillment. He embraced fatherhood with enthusiasm and love, finding beauty in the everyday moments with Isaac. Whether it was reading bedtime stories, teaching Isaac about dinosaurs, or embarking on family adventures, Steven cherished every moment of fatherhood. His bond with Isaac was a reflection of the love and devotion he poured into every relationship in his life.

In 2021, Steven and Hope returned to Minnesota to be closer to loved ones and took over the family business, Town and Country Campground. Together, they worked tirelessly to invigorate and care for the campground, sharing a passion for hospitality, hard work, and family. Steven especially treasured the time he spent working alongside his mother, Jill, where their shared dedication to the business not only created lasting memories but also strengthened their already close and loving relationship.

In 2023, Steven and Hope embarked on a new adventure, purchasing a motorhome and traveling across the country with their son, Isaac, and their beloved German Shepherd, Pepper. Their journey was filled with excitement and discovery, yet also presented its challenges—technical difficulties, mechanical issues, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Despite these setbacks, the family faced every obstacle with grace, patience, and teamwork. These experiences only strengthened their bond, and they created lasting memories along the way—memories that would forever be cherished as part of their shared story.

Steven’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in those who survive him: his wife, Hope; his son, Isaac; his mother, Jill Olmstead; his father, David Olmstead (Lisa Olmstead), and their children, Miles and Sawyer Dumont; his sister, Christine Olmstead (Brandon Walker).

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Hosanna! Church, Door 5, 9600 163rd Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at noon.

Memorials are preferred to Hope and Isaac Olmstead or to mental health organizations in Steven’s honor.

Steven’s warmth, humor, and unwavering faith will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew him. His family hopes that by sharing Steven’s story, others will be encouraged to reach out, offer kindness, and advocate for mental health support. May his life remind us all of the importance of connection, understanding, and the profound impact of love in overcoming life’s challenges.