Steven M. Schanning, age 68, of Gary, SD, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN with Rev. Levi Bollerud and Father Ron Huberty officiating. Burial will be at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby, MN. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm with a 7 pm Masonic and Prayer Service on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Steven Michael Schanning was born on November 27, 1955 at the Montevideo, MN hospital to Ervin and Ramona (Kulla) Schanning of Canby, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the catholic faith. Steve attended St. Peter’s Catholic church until 7th grade then attended Canby Public High School and graduated in 1974. He then went on to Canby Vo-tech for Welding Sciences. Steven was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Susan Cole on April 8, 1978. To this union, they were blessed with three wonderful children, Christopher Glenn, Greta Lynn and Laura May. Steve and Sue raised dairy cattle and farmed northeast of Canby until December 1987. They then moved to their present home by Gary where they raised hogs and beef cattle. Steve was known as a hard worker and handy man. He loved to mow road ditches and work the field. He was known to some as the “road ditch king”. He also fabricated many of his own gates and panels for the cattle. He worked for Runnings and the Canby Elevator before becoming the Canby School District bus manager, bus repair man and a bus driver. Steve loved to surprise the secretary ladies with brownies from Casey’s and was known to pitch in a helping hand wherever help was needed. He was also known for his smile and giggle. One of Steve’s special things to do was to surprise his Susie with flowers just because. In 2018, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was a strong fighter and beat that battle and was cancer free for six years. He was proud of that. It’s not very often you meet a pancreatic cancer survivor. It wasn’t the easiest road, but he always had a smile on his face and never complained. Steve was a Mason, a Shriner, a 4-H leader for Deuel County, assisted with trap shooting, helped the 109 Legion Auxiliary ladies serve prime rib suppers and enjoyed playing cards. He adored his grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was giving sled rides to them behind the 4-wheeler. He loved spoiling the kids with a special treat and getting to hold them and rock them to sleep. He was the best dad and grandpa/papa anyone could ever ask for.
Left to cherish his memory are wife, Susan; children: Christopher (Alisha) Schanning, Gary, SD, Greta (Adam) Leitheiser, Emery, SD and Laura Schanning, Gary, SD; grandchildren: Bridgette, Allison, Emily and Connor Leitheiser and Kenzie and Adley Schanning; step grandchildren: Dustin and Domnic Perius; sister, Susan (James) Englin, Rapid City, SD; mother-in-law, Lois Cole, Canby, MN; brother-in-law, John (Connie Munk) Cole, Canby, MN; nieces and nephews: Jennifer (Bill) tenBensel and their children: Zachary, Alexander, Tanner and Geoffrey; Josh (Casey) Englin and their children: Oakley and Elijah; Nina Englin; Andrew (Kendal) Cole; Jack Cole; Emma Cole and many other family and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, father-in-law and uncles and aunts: Don and Carol Johnson and Max and Irene Giese.
