Mary Steenstra

Mary Helen Steenstra was born on April 16, 1932, to Henry and Elise (Lien) Sundem on a farm near Hills - Beaver Creek, Minnesota. She was raised in that area and graduated from Hills High School in 1950. She then attended Sioux Falls College where she took classes for teaching. She taught at the country school near Hills for one year after college. On October 20, 1951, Mary was united in marriage to Floyd John Steenstra. The couple made their home in rural Holland, Minnesota. Mary worked for many years in retail sales; she worked at Thompson's Dress Store, Whipple's Clothing the Thoughtfulness Shop, A & S Drug, and Rexall Drug in Pipestone. She also volunteered at the Pipestone Hospital Gift Shop. Mary moved to Ridge View Estates and was living there until entering the care of the Pipestone County Hospice House where she passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 93.

Mary was a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. She was actively involved in church as she participated in Ladies Aid, taught Sunday School, and served on the altar committee. Her faith was an important part of her daily life. Mary was also active in the community as a member of the Holland Ladies Auxiliary. She was well known for her generosity and hospitality, often giving cookies to friends, neighbors, and local businesses. Her home was always open, and she loved welcoming others with coffee and homemade treats. In her free time, Mary enjoyed baking, sewing, crafting, gardening, and shopping with her daughters. She especially loved gardening vegetables and took great joy in sharing her harvest with others. Mary was fun-loving, optimistic, and had a deep love for people. She also had a special fondness for ice cream. Mary will be remembered for her servant's heart, and the kindness she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her children, Mike Steenstra of Holland, Charlie (Deb) Steenstra of Pipestone, Loren (Colleen) Steenstra of Jackson, Minnesota, and Lori Curott of Princeton, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren, Jason Bush, Jeremy Bush, Jonathan Steenstra, Justin Steenstra, Kara March, Danny Steenstra, David Steenstra, Chase Schelhaas, Shaina Armstrong, Elise Polt, Spencer Steenstra, Sadie Steenstra, Cullen Curott, and Lauren Curott; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Arly Schelhaas; brothers, Richard Sundem of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Orval (Bonnie) Sundem of Hills, Minnesota; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; daughter, Mary Schelhaas; granddaughter, Erica Steenstra; her parents, Henry and Elise; siblings, Doris (Dewey) Dooyema and Harlowe (LaVane) Sundem; and sister-in-law, Carol Sundem.