Douglas Jay Steffen

Douglas Steffen, 69, of Willmar, died suddenly after an unexpected health episode on March 29, 2025.  On the day of his death, DJ (what he preferred to be called) was described by his caretakers and housemates as “his happy-go-lucky normal self,” bantering with them at the house where he lived.  “Everybody who knows DJ loves him,” they said.  “He will be missed.”

A celebration of Doug's life will be held 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a time of sharing at 1:00 p.m.  Lunch will be served.  A private interment will be held at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Raymond.  In lieu of cards, flowers, or other gifts, please consider donations in Doug’s name to the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (a merger of Courage Center and Sister Kenny Institute): Allina Health Foundation, 2925 Chicago Ave, Mail Route 10721, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

Douglas Jay Steffen was born to his parents, Gwen and Harold Steffen, on July 7, 1955.  As a young man, Doug grew into a car and motorcycle fanatic, proud of the different vehicles he owned: a Corvette, a Charger, a Corvette Stingray, a Camaro Z-28, among others, and—his favorite—a Barracuda, fondly called “The Cuda,” into which he installed a 750 HP engine.  Anytime anyone would stop by to see him over the last several decades, he’d always ask, “What are you driving?” Once the wheels question was answered, he followed up quickly with his next question: “Can I have a ride?” He also loved his BMW motorcycle, which—he told staff recently—he wanted to take with him he reached the end of his life.  Had he had one in his possession, he’d be on it now, for sure.

He was extremely smart and learned EVERYTHING about topics that interested him.  After Doug graduated from Raymond High School, he worked at the family’s implement business until his early 20s when he survived a tragic car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury.  Though he died twice on his way to the hospital, he regained consciousness and worked through extensive rehabilitation at Courage Center in Golden Valley before moving home and continuing his recovery there.

He eventually moved to a facility in Bird Island devoted to working with survivors of head injuries, one of the first of its kind in Minnesota, before settling into his current residence in Willmar.  There, he flourished with the help of amazing care workers, forging a bond with one staff member in particular, Jesus Resendiz, who was a favorite companion of DJ’s on trips to the Dairy Queen for ice cream, the movie theater, the MN Zoo, the local mall, baseball games, even the Mall of America, among many other favorite spots, especially when ice cream was involved. DJ’s housemate community kept him on his toes, too, engaging in the banter he so enjoyed and watching movies and sports events with him at every opportunity. Doug’s family is grateful to ALL of his caregivers who truly helped him experience life to his fullest. 

Before his mother Gwen entered a care facility in 2020, DJ looked forward to spending days or overnights at her house where together they watched as many Superman, Spiderman, and Star Trek movies and TV reruns as they could stand, all while snacking on popcorn, cheese puffs, ice cream (of course), and—to add balance to their diet—chicken ala king.

He also looked forward to family gatherings when he could banter with his nieces and nephews and enjoy watching their children play.  Birthday celebrations were particularly fun for him because they always included plenty of ice cream.  (Do you see a theme?)

Five days a week, DJ attended Day Break at Bethesda where he loved to play cards, eat whatever snacks were available, talk with residents, and nap when the mood struck.  There he could show off his good sense of humor.  People who knew him knew that the more he bantered with you, the more he appreciated you and felt comfortable with you.  He was the most social one of Gwen and Harold’s three sons, a trait that served him well throughout his life.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his brother Bob (and Kathy) from Webb Lake, WI; his niece Bailey (and Mitch) from London, U.K.; his brother David (and Judy) from Raymond; his niece Aimee (and Josh) and family from Windom; his nephew Craig (and Crystal) and family from Raymond; his niece Kayla (and David) and family from Clara City; many relatives; and those in whose care he remained until the end.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Jay Steffen, please visit our floral store.