Steven Allen Aug

Steven Allen Aug

Steven Allen Aug was born May 1, 1951, in Rochester, Minn., to Donald C. and Joanne F. (Follensbee) Aug, the eldest of four children.  He passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Rochester, Minn.  Steven spent his first years growing up in “the house in town” in Preston.

In town, Steve’s Aunt Carol would often babysit him and his friends Craig and Jeff Thauwald, carting them around Preston in Steven’s little red wagon.  For quiet time at home, he would retreat to the basement with his cat Violet and color at the table his dad had set up for him.

Steven and his parents moved to the Aug farm in rural Carimona Township on the edge of Buffalo Grove in 1956.  He quickly made friends in the neighborhood, in particular with the Kruegel kids who lived at the top of “Kruegel Hill.”

He also babysat cousins Lynn and Debbie Sikkink who lived across the road.  Steven said in later years what good kids they were – all he needed to do was make them popcorn and get them to bed.  No disciplinary action needed! Summer playtime at the farm with cousins from both sides of the family (Augs and Follensbees) was filled with shenanigans of many sorts.

After graduating high school in 1969 (football, Thespian Club and homecoming royalty), Steven studied Hospitality Management at RCTC and worked at the Kahler’s Elizabethan Room.  He was a very gifted chef.

Steve’s love of sports started early with Grandpa Gus carting him to baseball games in Greenleafton and neighboring towns.  In 1963, Steve was on the baseball Championship Little League team of Fillmore-Houston counties.  As an adult, he was an avid Twins, Gopher and Vikings fan, following all the games (when he wasn’t playing solitaire!).

Steve knew many challenges in life, yet God did not fail him.  After spending time in California and working in Texas post-high school, Steve returned to Rochester, Minn., in the late 1980’s.

Spending time and corresponding with his siblings and greater family provided joy and purpose for Steve, especially enjoying family reunions with the Follensbees, Augs and Sikkinks.  His church family at First Presbyterian Church provided great love and acceptance of him by honoring him with being a deacon, assistant custodian, and visiting shut-ins.  A few days before he passed, he dropped off his pledge and donation of groceries to the food shelf at his church.  For one with little means, Steven followed in his mother’s footsteps knowing it is more blessed to give than receive, all the while doing it with his own kind, and gentle, quiet nature.

Steven is survived by brother Charles (Vonnie) Aug of Preston, sisters Virginia Aug of Minneapolis and Alberta Aug of Preston, niece Nikki Aug, nephews Jordan Aug and Jeremy (Katie) Aug, great-nephew Max Aug, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Donald C. and Joanne F. Aug and an infant brother.  His body has been donated to the Mayo Foundation for research.

Services for Steven will be Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, 10-11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 512 Third St. SW, Rochester, Minn. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Presbyterian Church.

May God bless the memory and character of Steven Allen Aug.