Stephen "Steve" Walter Birr

Stephen “Steve” Walter Birr, age 75, of Mapleton, died Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Mankato.

Stephen Walter Birr was born on September 29, 1949, to Walter and Louise Birr at Immanuel Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota. He attended school in Good Thunder and graduated from Good Thunder High School in 1968. In June of 1969, he was drafted into the Army infantry and bravely served during the Vietnam War, earning several medals, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Steve married Carol Schonrock on March 3, 1973, and they made their home in Good Thunder before moving to rural Mapleton. Together, they welcomed two children, Michelle and Andrew. Steve later married Melissa Sue Schmidtke on August 4, 1990. They created a home in Mapleton, where they welcomed their youngest daughter, Kayla. 

Known for his smiling face and contagious laughter, Steve grew up farming in rural Good Thunder and was a skilled carpenter and contractor by trade. In his youth he was an active member of the Lyra Merry Workers 4-H and the 4 Rascals Band, where he showcased his talent on the accordion. Additionally, he served with honor as a member of the Good Thunder Volunteer Fire Department for approximately five years. Steve cherished fishing and hunting, particularly enjoying deer hunting trips up North with family and friends. His passion for reeling in big fish was matched only by his love for sharing memorable fishing stories.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Louise; father, Walter; daughter, Michelle; brother, Mark; niece, Lana; and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Melissa; son, Andrew (Megan); daughter, Kayla; and son-in-law, Daniel. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Breanna (Chris) Stimpert, Kaitlyn Birr, Emilia Straumann, Lillyan Birr, David Straumann, Everett Birr, Nathaniel Straumann, Pearl Birr, and Joseph Birr; along with two great-grandchildren, Exodus and Creed Stimpert.

Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Mapleton. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Good Thunder. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.