Steven Joseph Hoemberg, Sr., age 71 of Staples, MN passed away on May 12, 2026. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his immediate family. Steven (“Steve” or “Senior” to many) was born on June 12, 1954, to Clarence Joseph and Viola Esther (Anderson) Hoemberg, at Thiel Hospital in Bertha, MN. The second of five sons, Steve grew up in Staples, where he attended Sacred Heart School and Staples High School, class of 1973. While in high school, he enrolled in machining courses at Staples Vocational School.

After high school, Steve worked briefly in Dilworth, MN before returning to Staples, where, among other jobs, he managed the Kerr-McGee gas station. He married Margo Ellen Martin of Staples on December 21, 1977. They raised their two sons (Steve, Jr. and John) in Staples. In 1985, Steve began what would turn into a 32-year career as a truck driver for Bjerga Feed Stores (Motley, MN), retiring from full-time work in 2017 to care for Margo. After Margo’s passing (in 2020), Steve enjoyed working part-time for JL Trucking (Leader, MN) where he occasionally had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Steve Jr. He had a reputation at work for being dependable and skilled, frequently working overtime without complaint and was willing to take on challenges that others might not. Providing for his family was a priority for him.

From an early age, Steve had a knack for and loved driving and fixing things, especially automotive related, that carried through his whole life. He often reminisced with family and friends about the 1973 Camaro he owned right out of high school, and racing-related shenanigans from the early to mid-1970’s. In the 1980’s, Steve enjoyed being a member of the Staples Volunteer Fire Department, ice racing and competing in demolition derbies, and participating in the trap shooting league. Eventually his hobbies gave way to focusing solely on working and providing for his family, except for a few short vacations to visit family. After their sons graduated from college, he and Margo moved to town. For many years, Steve and Margo were especially fond of watching the Minnesota Twins and taking occasional trips to the casino. He loved deer hunting with their sons, and eventually with their grandkids.

Steve and Margo loved spending time with their grandkids and Steve especially enjoyed helping Margo decorate the house and yard for their visits. As the grandkids grew older, his relationship with them grew closer, spending time with them hanging out in his garage and giving them rides to various places. He particularly enjoyed checking in on them, often via humorous, banter-filled-text and video message, sharing stories, and building lifelong memories. After Margo’s passing, when he wasn’t working or spending time with kids and grandkids, he enjoyed cooking and baking (known for his famous “7-lb Pizzas”), processing venison with their sons and family, and he especially cherished his alone time watching westerns in his garage.

Steve will always be remembered for his goofy and goodhearted style, his hardworking nature, his pride in his sons and daughters-in-law, the way he cared for Margo, and his unconditional love for his family.

He is survived by his two sons, Steven Jr. (Wendy) and Johnathan “John” Sarah; six grandkids: Molly, Meredith, Cooper, Grace, Logan, and Jade; and one great grandchild, Ronan. He is also survived by three brothers: Douglas (Robin), John (Julie), George (Heidi); one sister-in-law Ann; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margo; his parents; and his brother Donald (Ann).

A “happy hour” celebration of Steven’s life will be held on his birthday, June 12 at his home.