Stephen "Steve" Edward Krampe
Stephen “Steve” Edward Krampe age 74 of Maplewood, MN passed away on November 24, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Donald & Mildred. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Carolyn; son, Nathan (Sarah); grandchildren, Micah, Isaac, Esther; siblings, Karen (Bruce) Madinger, Rich (Bonnie), Jane (Rob) Gottsch; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Born and raised in Elwood, Indiana, Steve was always curious and full of energy, with a deep passion for life. From a young age, he immersed himself in a variety of sports—basketball, tennis, softball, volleyball, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing. His love for physical activity was matched by an intellectual curiosity that spanned a wide range of interests. Whether it was reading books, newspapers, journals, or magazines, Steve was constantly absorbing new information. He never left the house without something to read and made a habit of catching up on the news while listening to NPR after work. A morning person at heart, he often left for the office by 5:00 or 5:30 AM to get a head start on the day’s tasks, so he could return home early and spend more time with his family.
Steve was the epitome of dependability and hard work, always ensuring that projects were completed with care and attention, even if his timeline wasn’t always the quickest. His sense of duty was unparalleled and his commitment to both his family and his work never wavered. Nathan recalls how his father was always there—whether it was for sports games, helping with basketball practice, or simply being present at important school events. Steve made sure to be there for his son, supporting him in every way possible.
Steve’s academic achievements were just as impressive as his personal qualities. He earned three master’s degrees: a Master of Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, a Master’s in Statistics, and a Master’s in Rheology from the University of Minnesota. His career as a Chemical Engineer at 3M was marked by significant accomplishments, including several patents—a testament to his brilliance and innovative thinking.
Beyond his scientific mind, Steve had a creative side that shone through in his hobbies. He took up stained glass and glassblowing, both of which allowed him to express his artistic flair. He also had a natural talent for carpentry and home improvement, which he put to good use in maintaining their homes and cabins. While building and finishing their cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin, Steve formed a deep friendship with the contractor, George. Together, they worked on the cabin until it became a true work of art, bonding over good beer and plenty of laughs along the way.
Steve was also an accomplished runner, a passion that brought him joy, peace and a deep sense of accomplishment. Far from being just a casual runner, Steve thrived on the challenge of ultramarathons, including 50 and 100-mile races. He was always willing to help others achieve their best, often giving up his own race to pace a fellow runner. Running marathons with his son Nathan, including the Twin Cities Marathon and Big Sur Marathon, were some of the most special moments they shared together.
Golf was another activity that held a special place in Steve’s heart. He traveled the world, playing on courses in Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Portugal, always accompanied by his good friends Bill, Bob and Dave. For Steve, golf wasn’t just a game; it was a way to relax, connect with friends, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Steve’s simple pleasures included happy hours, enjoying a good beer or glass of wine, and spending time with friends. These moments reflected his laid-back, social nature, and his ability to appreciate life’s small joys.
Steve will be remembered for his quiet, kind, and reserved demeanor, his infectious blue eyes that lit up when he laughed, his creativity, his intelligence, and his unwavering loyalty to family and friends. He was a true gentleman—generous with his time and resources, a bit stubborn at times, but always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Though we mourn the loss of his vibrant spirit, we hold tight to the countless beautiful memories he gave us, and we carry his legacy in our hearts.
SendOff Details
Steve’s life will be celebrated with a SendOff service at 2 PM Wednesday, December 4th with visitation beginning at 1 PM at Woodbury Lutheran Church – Valley Creek Campus, 7380 Afton Rd, Woodbury. The service will be live-streamed here. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Artis Senior Living of Woodbury, 8155 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125.
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A summer weekend was about to arrive and receiving a text from Steve stating, “do you want tee it up” was all i needed to hear. This event took place many times and over many years. We made all the arrangements and headed to our course of choice. Say what you want, Steve was a very good golfer! As time went on, I wondered why Steve would want to golf with me. Slice was my middle name. It appeared to me that Steve had a greater purpose than golf. He demonstrated to me how to be a gentleman. How to be more patient, kind, non- judgemental and the list goes on.
Sometimes we would get a late start and unable to get a tee time. We decided we would head to a course and chip. Not a bucket of balls. Chipping until dark or until one of us received a call from our spouse. Oops! Looking back at all this, Steve was holding a masterclass beyond golf.
I so look forward to “teeing it up” with a man i admired beyond measure. I will buy the next round!