Steven Wendt passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, after a tough and unexpected cancer diagnosis just a few weeks ago. Steve was born on October 26, 1944, to Reuben and Dorothy (Sanden) Wendt. He grew up on his family’s farm in Southeast Minnesota and graduated from Preston High School.
Steve was a barber in South Minneapolis and Bloomington for over 50 years, and many of his customers became close friends. He often cut the hair of fathers, their sons and grandsons; becoming part of their families along the way. His barber shop, Metro Hair Design, was really a “friend shop” and social club: full of model trains and antiques, coffee and treats, a steady stream of jokes and conversation. The shop was a social hub for the whole office complex, and Steve was affectionately dubbed the “Mayor of Metro Park.”
Steve had a real gift for friendship. Funny and irreverent, he made friends easily, often striking up conversations with strangers. Steve had a unique ability to transform chance encounters into deep friendships. He brought people out of their comfort zones with disarmingly big hugs and long conversations. These friendships were forged over dinners and drinks, through games of golf and bowling and cards, fishing trips and ski vacations. Steve was always ready to say “yes,” always game for a new adventure. He was also a connector: introducing people, sharing recommendations, making room at the table. He was many people’s closest friend.
Steve was an enthusiast. He pursued activities with gusto: photography, magic, clowning, biking, skiing, bowling, golf, model trains and more. He always had other ventures — like growing grapes and raspberries for a “country market” at the family farm—and countless projects in the works. Some of these passions even became side jobs. He loved “Fly Over America,” and considered it a personal challenge to have the highest dollar sales on his shift. Mowing grass — which he did for friends and the golf course — was a source of joy, reminding him of days on the farm. And he loved the State Fair, always counting down the days on a chalkboard at the barber shop. He translated this love into a decades-long job running the “Space Tower” ride, relishing the chance to greet fair-goers with: “Step right up, you’ll never have so much fun.”
Steve was an inveterate optimist. He was always looking ahead, to a new sunrise, the next adventure, another game. But, above all, he was kind and generous, always ready to share his positive outlook with others, and give to anyone in need. He kept treats in his pockets for friends’ dogs, and $2 bills on hand to give to children. He genuinely cared about people’s lives and problems, often encouraging others to “hang in there, kiddo.” He always had a wide smile, a kind word, and a ready bear hug. He loved being with people, and even through his short illness, took any chance he could to connect with others. Our “Steve-O” was one-of-a-kind: hard to describe (to people who didn’t get the chance to meet him) but not easily forgotten (by everyone lucky enough to know him).
Steve leaves behind a wide, wonderful circle of friends and family. He is survived by his twin sister Susan Turk, of Wichita Falls, Tex., his brother John Wendt and sister-in-law Ruth Wendt, of Fountain, Minn., as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and their families. He also is survived by two former spouses, Fran (Berland) Scibora and Judy Fancher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Wilson, and brothers Richard Wendt and Dennis Wendt.
A memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak Rd, Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344. The service will also be recorded and live-streamed at: wooddale.org/eventstreaming. Steve’s family is also planning a smaller, informal reception at the farm later that weekend. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are organizing memorial gifts to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation and Wooddale Church.
John Moore says
I just today found out the very sad news of Steve’s passing. I’ve known Steve since 1969 when I started work at Control Data. I had not seen him as much in recent years since moving to Florida but always looked forward to our few yearly meetings at the shop. To this day I refused to say “Metro Hair Design”, It will always be “Metro Barbers” to me. It seemed to give Steve some small degree of pleasure that I would so write out my check in that way.
A few years ago I was in his chair talking about a recent bison hunting trip and he insisted that I get him a copy of a picture of the trip I had showed him. He hung it in his office and for many years that is where it remained; might still be there for all I know.
It is a sad note that the Steve’s of this world are in such short supply.
I will miss him.
Joan Holl says
Steve was a kind and gentle spirit who loved life and people. Life was meant to be shared and enjoyed. Steve did all of that. We will miss our conversations. Now who will keep John looking presentable?
Nancy wilson says
What a wonderful life and what a wonderful affirmation, so loving perceptive and joyful. A great testimonial to Steve’s mark on the world and his impact to many. I didn’t know “uncle Steve” as well as many of you, but his amazing and abundant spirit shone like a beacon fir all to see and warm themselves at. Rest In Peace and joy, dear.
Sandy Sullivan says
So many great memories playing cards with Steve O on a weekly basis when possible! Steve always had big hugs to give and a sense of humor that was so entertaining. We all would laugh till our stomachs hurt! Love you Steve O ! Have so much fun in heaven with Neena Kay, and others carrying on our weekly tradition of cards! We all will miss you terribly! Sandy, and all your card buddies
Sandy says
Steve O was a great card player and we have so many great memories as we would play every Tuesday when possible for years, and laughed until our stomach hurt. He was one of the most positive and thoughtful men I have known! Always had a big hug for you! Miss him terribly but he is with our other card player in a beautiful place with our maker! Sandy Sullivan
ron grinde says
I worked at the buildings where Steve cut hair and ran the village. He was known as the “Mayor”, a fitting title. He took care of the whole building for 50 years and was proud of his shop. He enjoyed the holidays especially Christmas and would decorate the shop to reflect it. He knew he could not retire because he had too many clients that needed his services along with his smile. I will miss that greeting from the corner chair. My wife is a cosmetologist and was late in giving me a haircut years ago so I had Steve cut my hair and his use of a straight razor is phenomenal Take a break Steve, We will meet again for another trim!. Thanks Ron Grinde
Mark Hartman says
Steve started cutting my hair in 1985 shortly after I became his landlord at Metro Office Park. I never felt guilty getting my haircut on “company time” as we chatted the entire time. He was a great source of info for me as we chatted and he shared what was going on with various tenants in the Park.
I also discovered that my late brother was one of his first CDC customers in 1968 shortly after he opened the shop.
Always enjoyed our conversations, laughs, jokes and great talks., and a couple trips to the casino. He was a great friend and I will miss him along w many other customers.
I had my last haircut 3 weeks ago shortly after his diagnosis and thought I would see him again. I cherish that last Bear Hug I received and hoped it would not be my last.
Look forward to seeing you in Heaven SteveO. Until then, I will cherish the memories and continue to keep you in my prayers.
Mark Hartman
Gary Mertz says
Steve was a wonderful person; fun to be around always with a positive attitude. When I worked for Control Data, Steve cut my hair. I lived in Bloomington, San Diego and Dallas and no matter where I lived I always made a point to visit Steve and get my hair cut. Steve was my barber for 40 years. He will be missed!
Thomas Gernes says
I knew SteveO for 49 years. He was the kindest and sincerest man I have ever met. I am sure that he is in Gods hands now. We will all miss him very much.
David Berg says
I was a customer of Steve’s for 32 years. My last cut was right before Easter this year. He was rightfully adored by everyone. My adult son had started going with me for father/son cuts the last year. It is with great sadness that I bid earthly farewell to Steve-O. We had many faith based discussions and he came to my church several times to support our mission team’s efforts in Haiti. I long for a heavenly reunion with the best barber ever and with my friend. God Bless you. Dave-O
Anonymous says
I met Steve and became his customer in 1985 when I was his landlord at Metro. I never had any guilt getting my haircut on “company time” as we spent the entire session talking ‘“business”. He was my source for what was going on around the property w other tenants. I continued seeing him over the years every 5-6 weeks as I moved on. I also discovered that my older brother was one of his first customers in 1968 when he first opened his Metro shop.
Like countless others, I shared many laughs, w Stevo, and our strong opinions on many issues. I consider myself fortunate to receive my last haircut from him a couple of weeks before his passing and wondering if that infamous Good bye bear hug could be my last.
RIP my friend. I will continue to pray for you
Mark Hartman
Marion Pladson says
We are sorry for your :Loss, He sounds like a man that could make anyones Day Prayers for you all
Shirley Moen says
Steve cut my husbands hair for many years. Toward the end of his illness (my husband) I had to drive him to the shop and push his wheelchair into Steve for a trim. They had so much fun telling each other jokes and laughing. I loved going to shop at Christmas. Assuming now Buzz and Steve re laughing in heaven.
Jerry Casterton says
Whoever wrote the obit for Stevo did a tremendous synopsis of Steve’s life and giving spirit. I have known him for thirty four years through my wife Marcia who has had fifty three years of a brother like relationship with Steve. It is a small world as his father knew my great grandfather who had farms near Lanesboro. I went by his farm as I visited my relatives in Harmony. .Steve was very creative and enjoyed his Minnie Vineyard shop on the farm as many came by to enjoy his infectious smile and laughter. And if you were lucky you might have left with a trout from his stocked fish pond.. My most fond memories and there are many was the visit to the barbershop. He fixed my mother’s hair before my wedding to Marcia. The picture of my mother and father at my wedding was the best ever Thank you Steve. Steve always had a great story and positive “hang in there kiddo” let alone a super haircut. Stevo ” A CUT ABOVE THE REST” .Rest in peace my brother! Jerry
Jerry Casterton says
Whoever wrote the obit for Stevo did a tremendous synopsis of Steve’s life and giving spirit. I have known him for thirty four years through my wife Marcia who has had fifty three years of a brother like relationship. It is a small world as his father knew my great grandfather who had farms near Lanesboro. I went by his farm as I visited my relatives in Harmony. .Steve was very creative and enjoyed his Minnie Vineyard shop on the farm as many came by to enjoy his infectious smile and laughter and if you were lucky you might have left with a trout from his stocked fish pond.. My most fond memories and there are many was the visit to the barbershop. He fixed my mother’s hair before my wedding to Marcia. The picture of my mother and father at my wedding was the best ever Thank you Steve. Steve always had a great story and positive “hang in there kiddo” let alone a super haircut. Stevo ” A CUT ABOVE THE REST” .Rest in peace my brother! Jerry