Steven Carl Leino, age 75, died peacefully on October 6, 2024, after a short illness; surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Born April 28, 1949, in Washburn, WI, to John and Ellen (Kainu) Leino, Steve was the oldest of eight siblings. He grew up on a modest family farm, and as the oldest boy worked hard alongside his father. His parents being of Finnish descent, Steve learned from them how to embody the Finnish concept of "sisu," which reflects determination and resilience. While he valued his upbringing and credited his childhood experiences as setting the foundation of his outlook and life in general, he sought a different path in life outside of farming.
Steve graduated from Washburn High School in 1967 and later earned an associate's degree in accounting from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. He began his career at Minnesota Power just after graduation. His work at Minnesota Power was a joy to him for 37 years, retiring in 2006. While he used and honed his skills in many and varied ways throughout his long career, he took special pride in his role in the Organizational Development Department.
In January 1969, Steve married Lani Beauregard, and he was proud that together they raised three independent and successful daughters. He took pride in providing for his family. He cherished his grandchildren and honorary grandchildren, doting on them and relishing in the time spent with them.
Steve enjoyed working and spending time outdoors, camping with family, summers at Mallard Lake, cutting firewood, tackling construction projects with Bruce and Bill, working on cars, and deer hunting with his friends and cousins. In his passion for helping others, he cleared a portion of land he owned for Hmong immigrants to grow food to feed their own families. He considered himself a historian and loved sharing stories about his family's history as well as the history of his community. His passion for cars began at age four on a Ford Select-O-Speed tractor, and over the years he owned many beloved vehicles including a 1969 Plymouth Sports Fury and a 2012 Dodge Challenger. He sought any reason for road trips across the country, finding special meaning in them when they were used to help others.
In his retirement years, Steve led an incredibly active life and cherished being of service to others; he strongly believed in giving back. He often described himself as a “social butterfly” and made sure his “dance card was always full.” He served as president of the board at Northwoods Technical College Foundation, mowed lawns, handled payroll, and served on the board for Greenwood Cemetery. He also drove veterans to and from the Twin Cities for the Veteran’s Association, served on the board at CASDA, and delivered food to the Salvation Army on Fridays. Additionally, he worked as a Conflict Facilitator for the Public Works Labor Management Committee, participated in the Minnesota Power Retiree Medical Plan Board, bowled on Wednesday nights with the Minnesota Power bowling league, helped organize Washburn class reunions, showed cars, and organized or volunteered at numerous Mopar car shows. He was also a contributing member of the Mopar Motorheads and taught English as a second language to immigrants, along with many other volunteer positions and side gigs.
Steve truly lived his life to the fullest, never leaving his thoughts unsaid. He had a larger-than-life presence in every setting and he was full of generosity, optimism and gratitude every day, up until the day of his passing. In his 75 years he touched many, many lives and he will be truly missed.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents John and Ellen (Kainu) Leino; brother, Ken Leino; brother-in-law, Mike McGinn; and lifelong friend, Bill Stenson.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lani (Beauregard) Leino; daughters, Jennifer (Rhody) Adair, Amy (Steve) Duckart, and Kristin (Benjamin) Banks; grandchildren, Ethan Leino, Marra Terry, Zachary Duckart, Mason Duckart, and Frances Banks; honorary grandchildren, Josh Bendickson and Taylor Terry; honorary great-grandchild, Archer Bendickson; siblings, Marge Bray, Ed (Sharon) Leino, Larry (De) Leino, Jim (Kelly) Leino, Faye (Jon) Nindorf, and Janet (Jesse Smith) Leino; mother-in-law, Mary Louise Beauregard; cherished friends, Carolyn and Karl Kanneberg, Bruce Peterson, and Mick Malcheski; God-daughter, Wendy (Josh) McHugh, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th Street, Superior with a time of remembrance at 1:00pm. His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony for family at a later date.
Donations in remembrance of Steve should be sent to the Northwood Technical College scholarship program.
Steve loved storytelling, history, and gatherings more than anything else in the world. Please join us in a celebration of his life as we all share stories and memories.
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