Service Information
Steven “Steve” Boerner, age 75, of Gaylord passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his home in Gaylord.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Obituary
Steven Donald Boerner was born on September 21, 1950, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Donald and Audrey (Glander) Boerner. Steve was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He received his education in Gaylord and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School class of 1968.
On January 14, 1978, Steve was united in marriage to Vicki Schaber at the American Lutheran Church in Gaylord. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Gaylord. They were blessed with two children: Russell and Erin. Steve and Vicki shared 48 years of marriage.
Steve was an active member of the American Lutheran Church in Gaylord and was deeply involved in the church community. Steve was also a faithful AA member. He was also part of the Planning and Zoning Committee in Gaylord for a number of years.
Steve was a hardworking and dependable man whose life was defined by dedication and service. Over the years, he owned and managed an apartment complex, hauled and jockeyed hay around for 15 years, and spent 33 years cleaning ProGrowth Bank in Gaylord. He also worked in construction cleanup and proudly helped his father in the tiling business, learning the value of honest labor at a young age. For 28 years, he served his community as a school bus driver, safely transporting generations of children and becoming a familiar, trusted presence in their daily lives. His strong work ethic and willingness to help wherever needed left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Steve enjoyed time spent outdoors, whether he was fishing, deer hunting, or duck hunting. Fishing was his #1. He also enjoyed going camping and visiting numerous state parks on those trips.
Steve passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his home in Gaylord at the age of 75 years. Blessed be his memory.
Steve is survived by his:
Wife, Vicki Boerner of Gaylord, MN;
Son, Russell Boerner and his wife, Shanon of Denver, CO;
Son-in-law, Eric P. Gesche of Peru;
Grandchildren, Esther Boerner, Ruth Boerner, Grace Boerner, Faith Boerner, Caleb Boerner, Xander E. Gesche, Zadek W. Gesche;
Siblings, Amy Bakke (Paul) of Orlando, FL, Fred Boerner (Marilyn) of Sedona, AZ;
In-laws, Matthew Bowers of Minneapolis, MN, Gregg Schaber (Sandy) of Seattle, WA, Jerry Hutchinson of Andover, MN, Scott Schaber (Colleen) of Fargo, ND;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his Father, Donald Boerner; Mother, Audrey Boerner; Step-Mother, Marilyn Boerner; Daughter, Erin Gesche; Granddaughter, Aeon Z. Gesche; Sister, Sara Bowers; and Sister-in-law, Sandy Hutchinson.
Bonnie Hahn says
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was such a kind man. I will never forget, that one day I met him at the post office and he said to me, “Your Dad is now home.” My dad passed over 20 years ago, since then, every single time I drive by your home, I remember Steves words like it was yesturday. So Steve is now home as well. God bless you, your family and friends during this difficult time.
Don Bartels says
Steve and myself were only 2 years apart in age and for that reason we did quite a lot of horsing around, at family gatherings, when we were young. I remember, that Steve spent several days on our farm one summer as well as hanging out at Grandpa Fred’s cabin on Bowstring. Technically speaking, he was a 1st cousin once removed, but I always considered him a 1st cousin. Vicki, you have my sincere sympathy. Rest in peace cousin.
Barb Cordes says
We are so saddened for your loss, and yet so happy for Steve for he is now home. We always loved seeing him at church. It just won’t be the same without him. Sending you our love, Marcus and Barb
JoAnn Schmidt says
Vicki
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
David Nelson says
I was saddened to come across Steve’s funeral on Facebook. I remember after I came to American Lutheran, Steve was the Council President. At American individuals were elected by the congregation, and then the council would elect their officers following the annual meeting. I remember that Steve told me that he was president because he was late to get to the council meeting because he went outside for a smoke. That was Steve… I knew him as someone who was deeply committed to his family ( Russell and our son, Josh were good friends) and to his Lord (which he lived out at American). Blessed be his memory!