Contributions to the tribute of John David Steen

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Monday, September 11, 2023

1st off, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of John, I’m so very sorry. I would love to share a story of one of the greatest sporting events I have ever attended. I use to own a local bar in Grand Forks called Dagwood’s. Had lots of friends that were UND Coaches and attended lots of Sporting events. My son and I in Feb 1993, I believe attended the UND vs NDSU wrestling match at Hyslop sports center. NDSU dominated us in wrestling year in and year out, but not this end of the year matchup. The score was close and it came down to the Heavyweight match between John and NDSU All American Tim T. (Not sure of last name) John was clearly over matched and clearly at a disadvantage , Tim was sculpted, chiseled, strong, and the better wrestler. John was more determined, heart and desire to do his best. As I remember most of the match John played keep away, and really worked hard to stay away, and score points when ever he could. Match was very close, and John was clearly frustrating the Bison All American. It came down to the very end as I remember and the match ended in a DRAW, which was a huge win for UND, to be that close. Then something crazy happened, as the local referee (Hennessy) brought the 2 wrestlers together to shake hands and declare a draw. Tim slapped John’s hand in anger and frustration, because he was so upset that he didn’t win out right (poor sportsmanship) The refree stepped back in and awarded John a penalty point and the match WINNER! This intern gave UND points and now they won that dual match by a score of 16-15 quite the upset. The crowd of maybe 500+ went crazy, loudest I can remember for such a setting. My son and I will always have fond memories of that night, and of John Steen. When I saw the obit, I knew instantly that was the most inspirational wrestler, we had ever seen! Truly remarkable what he accomplished. I’m very sorry for your loss, but remember the good times and the people he has touched, I never got the chance to meet John but always admired and was in awe of his accomplishments. Mike Delohery - Grand Forks, ND (originally from Denver - Go Broncos)

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Brian Koba posted a condolence

Monday, September 11, 2023

My most sincere and deepest condolences: John was great teammate in wrestling as well as a fellow high school & college classmate. *(we did a few other sports together-his pole vault technique was awesome! What an athlete!) I also enjoyed attending Youth for Christ with him. John always displayed the highest ideals of sportsmanship and his personal character was an fine example to all. Lots of great early morning & late night bus trips sitting next to him-even in those cold (what seemed like) 'un-heated' buses LoL. One time around 4/5am on the way to a Bismarck tournament, we had the misfortune to get on the bus last and got no seats to boot, so we camped out on the floor by the rear emergency exit door. It was so cold the gatorade in our thermos bottles froze solid-thank goodness we had blankets and jackets. Anyway, we zonked out but woke up later when we hit a huge bump: down on the floor we both glanced thru the frosty window just as we hit another large road bump and CRACK-some bit of metal broke off the bus and went propeller spinning along the highway, huge sparks flying out in a giant circle. We both looked at each other like - "what just happened?!?!? Is the bus disintegrating?!?" We chuckled, just shrugged & murmured, 'well, if the bus breaks or crashes, wake me up..' LoL. Good times. John was Minot High School's heavyweight category wrestler & for some crazy reason, the coach would sometimes pair me up with him in practice (I was a 135pounder) - he had good moves and I always learned alot taking him on. His nemesis from Bismarck was a HUGE guy named "Vern" IIRC, John looked small(er) compared to him! He never flinched and would go toe to toe with him anytime. Sometimes John would win, sometimes Vern. More often than not, John would come through with the win-despite being outweighed by 80 pounds by Vern. He would also seem to pull through in the clutch when a match was on the line and get the win whoever he competed against: he really knew how to dig deep, never give up, and fight hard. I seem to recall a big match - maybe at the dome in Minot or somewhere else like Bismarck, and the match came down to Vern and John. The lights were off with only the center mat lights shining down. It came down to the last few seconds and John got the points-winning the match and getting enough team points to win overall for the team. There must have been thousands of spectators, both cheering for their man. It was wild but John triumphed. About a year later in college at UND in Grand Forks, John was on the wrestling team (I wasn't but I was a fellow UND student and attended matches): guess who shows up on the mat for the last match of the night? VERN! John was like "ya gotta be kidding me!!!" Like I said, he never flinched and he went out there all by himself and went for broke. I think Vern probably might have wanted some revenge...the match went down to the wire just like before and you know what? John won it all again! The crowd was just going nuts-the roaring noise was incredible. You couldn't shout loud enough to the person right next to you and even be heard. I had actually mentioned John's name to my kiddos just last Friday when we were talking about track club: I told them anyone can perform at any event if you have enough guts to try. One usually doesn't picture a heavyweight wrestler being the team's pole vaulter but nothing stopped John. I wanted my kids to know that they should be just like John: fearless competitor and go for it! I last heard from John after he moved to Minnesota but time and distance can cause things to drift away...I miss you buddy. May God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Brian Koba

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Jessica Shryack posted a condolence

Sunday, September 10, 2023

John was a kind, fun, loving, gentle spirit whose smile and big heart will be missed by so many. I remember the times that John and Karla invited me for dinner when they lived in the Cities and John was studying to be a chiropractor. These are two of the kindest people you could meet. I will miss my step-uncle tremendously and am deeply, deeply sorry for the loss of a wonderful son, husband and dad. Jessica

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Sandra K. Sund lit a candle

Friday, September 8, 2023

Carla, Abby,Chris, Mark, and the family of John Steen. Being a stepsister to John was such a blessing. We spent time together in AZ and at Lake Metigoshe for years. John had such a profound sense of humor and was such a joy to be around. He was so caring, loving, and compassionate. I remember him talking about his college years and wrestling as well as other sports he was involved in. His love for life and his family was always evident. John was a great chiropractor and loved by all who knew him. No words can ever adequately express the deep sadness in Johns passing. I pray that God will wrap all of you tightly in his loving arms and comfort you daily. John left a legacy that will never be forgotten. Thank you, John, for all the wonderful memories that will live on forever.

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The family of John David Steen uploaded a photo

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

A Memorial Tree was planted for John Steen

Friday, September 1, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at The Springs Funeral Services - North Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

John David Steen

1970 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of John

John David Steen

1970 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of John

​(719) 207-8855

(719) 207-8855