Mary E. Steen

Mary E. Steen, age 77, of Alexandria, went to be with her heavenly father on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Galeon Senior Living in Osakis.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Hans Dahl officiating. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Alexandria.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. service at the church.

Mary Ellen was born on July 13, 1948, to Wesley W. and Ellen G. (Van Dalen) Finke in Wadena. She grew up in Vining, where she was confirmed at Vining Lutheran Church. Mary attended Vining Elementary School and later Henning Public School, graduating in 1966. Following graduation, Mary moved to Minneapolis, where she held various jobs and, most importantly, met her future husband, Dennis Steen. The couple was united in marriage on April 19, 1969, and made their home in the metro area, where they were blessed with two children. Wanting to raise their family in a more rural setting, they later moved to the Alexandria area, where they built a loving home together. Mary cherished her role as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, a vocation she felt truly fortunate to fulfill. Once her eldest child entered college, she returned to the workforce as a paraprofessional with the Alexandria School District. It was the role she found most rewarding and lovingly held for 10 years. In retirement, Mary and Dennis cherished their time as daycare providers for their grandchildren and also delighted in traveling together, exploring destinations across the United States and around the world. She had many talents and creative passions. Mary was a skilled crafter and an excellent baker, especially known for her cookies, which she joyfully shared with family and friends. She also found great joy in flower gardening, camping, and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Keith Finke; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dennis; son, Darin (Gwen) Steen of Frankfort, Kentucky; daughter, Carie (Jeff) Stotesbery of Alexandria; four grandchildren, Dylan (Elli) Steen, Tia Steen, Alycia Stotesbery, and Aaron Stotesbery; two great-grandchildren, Raelyn Steen and Jaxon Steen; brother, Jon (Kay) Finke; along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as casket bearers will be Dylan Steen, Aaron Stotesbery, Charles Johnson, Jeff Finke, Peter Finke, and Tom Finke.