Steven Gene Thooft

Steven Thooft, age 68, of Russell, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 20, 2023, following a medical incident near Russell. Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Attendees are then invited to a reception at the Russell Bar beginning at Noon on Saturday. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. A Memory Share will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of his celebration at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday also at the funeral home.

Steven Gene Thooft was born on December 22, 1954, in Russell, Minnesota, to parents Harry and LaVaune (Schreurs) Thooft. Steve was raised on the family farm where he learned to work hard. He was baptized, received his first Holy Communion and confirmed at St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler, Minnesota. He attended school at the Russell Public School and graduated in 1972.

Steve was united in marriage to Nancy Jean Liebswager on October 23, 1987, and the couple was blessed with two sons. Steve attended the Minnesota West Technical College in Pipestone, Minnesota, where he studied construction. He then started a lifetime of construction work, eventually owning and operating his own business, Thooft Construction which migrated into Belgium Builders. Steve enjoyed teaching his sons everything he knew about the trade. 

Steve’s greatest joys in life were his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed time with his family and friends, taking Bronco rides with his wife, plane rides with his brother Marlowe, collecting John Deere memorabilia, and enjoying his favorite beverages while socializing at the local bar. Steven always put everybody before himself, he was proud of the many years he served as an EMT and also the many pints of blood he donated. He would have given the shirt off his back to anybody and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Blessed and eternal be his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy (Liebswager) Thooft; 2 sons, Aaron Thooft of Marshall, Troy (Kim) Thooft of Russell; 4 grandchildren, Vance Thooft, Elsie Thooft, Clara Thooft, Dane Hanson; grand-dog, Cletus; mother, LaVaune Thooft of Russell; siblings, Carolyn Lindsay, Gary (Deb) Thooft, Janice (Larry) Bornitz, Evelyn (Jeff) Brewers, Marlowe (Nancy) Thooft; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Harry Thooft; his parents-in-law, Gifford & Lucille Liebswager; brother, Myril Thooft; and infant brother, Neil.