Steve Sutherland
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On March 23, 2015 @ 3:59 pm In 2015,Obituaries,Uncategorized | 29 Comments
Stephen John Sutherland’s life will be honored with a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, March 28 at 4 pm, with a time of gathering one hour prior at the Minnetonka Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3510 Williston Road, Minnetonka. Pastor Jason Salyers will officiate. The family will lay him to rest at a private ceremony at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN.
On a snowy Sunday evening, March 22, 2015, Steve sadly passed away suddenly from an unexpected medical illness at the young age of 54. He was the youngest of four children born on February 5, 1961 in Milwaukee, WI to parents William Russell and Bette Jo (Carron) Sutherland. Steve grew up in Cedarburg, WI, with his sister Nonda and brothers, Bill and Lee. A student of Cedarburg High School, he enjoyed participating in wrestling, where he medaled. Steve was a graduate of the Class of 1979.
The greatest accomplishment in Steve’s life was being a husband and dad. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Alana Hollinger. They knew instantly, the two of them did not want to lose each other. On September 5, 1982 at Ogema Baptist Church, in Ogema, WI, Steve and Alana declared their love as husband and wife. Fatherhood was soon to be in his future. Unfortunately, they were saddened with the delivery of stillborn twin sons, Brian and Michael. Steve and Alana eventually became the proud parents to three additional sons, Bradley, Daniel and Adam. As a family, they enjoyed camping under the cold stars and sharing in some of the best food. Steve also was very active coaching the boys in gymnastics and in the church youth group.
“If I can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed,” was a motto of Steve’s. He had a knack of looking at something and knew just how to fix it. Steve took this fasciation of mechanics and followed it throughout his life. Most of his career was spent working on planes, trains and automobiles. First starting out with Comair as an A&P mechanic. He later moved to the Twin Cities and was employed by Republic Airlines which later became Northwest Airlines. He continued as an A&P mechanic until he changed careers to become part of rail transit. For 5 years, Steve worked at Metro Transit on the light rail, where he was the Supervisor of Maintenance. We can’t forget about his love for automobiles. Steve loved fast cars. He also loved tearing them apart and making them better.
Steve had an adventurous life. Shortly after getting his driver’s license, he earned his pilot’s license. Later he furthered his education at Andrew’s University in Michigan, where Steve worked toward a major in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Aviation and found the love of his life, Alana. Throughout the years, the couple loved attending air shows and reliving the thrill of flying. Steve enjoyed being a certified scuba diver, exploring the lakes with his sons and even helping out with clean-up of Prior Lake. He also kept his hands busy by tinkering in the workshop designing and building all sorts of creations: rockets, boats, airplanes and guns.
As Alana’s rock, Steve was her everything as a provider, protector, a compassionate husband and soulmate. Brave, daring and fearless are words that describe him as a dad. Steve inspired his sons to be their best.
Left to honor Steve’s life and mourn the death are his wife of 32 years, Alana; sons, Bradley Sutherland, Daniel Sutherland (fiancée Rebecca Jung), Adam Sutherland; mother, Bette Jo Sutherland; siblings, Nonda (Todd) Henshaw, Bill (Anna Marie) Sutherland, Lee (Beth) Sutherland; other loving relatives and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his infant twin boys, Brian and Michael and his father William (Bill) Sutherland.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Sutherland family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Steve Sutherland
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Steve Sutherland”
Rest well old friend, even though you were taken from us, way to early you have left a positive mark on everyone you touched. You are flying above the clouds in calm skies now.
words cannot describe our feelings to the loss of our dear Steve.
Dan and Ingrid
Deepest condolences to the Sutherland family.
Alana, I was so saddened to hear the news. Wishing you strength and comfort. You and your family are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies to the Sutherland family
Condolences to the Sutherland family.
Alana,
Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember how much you are cared about.
Growing up with Steve in the subdivision, I have wonderful memories of Trick or Treating, playing cards, building tree forts and just hanging out. This is so shocking. Hugs and condolences to the Sutherland family .
Sutherlands, Today I found out I had lost a son. I was in shock and distraught. Comfort and Peace to all who were blessed with his presence in their lives.
Very Sorry for the loss – way too early
Words can’t begin to capture the loss of such a truly pure, kind, thoughtful husband, father, and friend. May God keep him in his embrace until we meet again.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Can see his big smile and hear his kind words.
He will be deeply missed.
Love you, Stevie. Rest in peace and fly high in that big blue sky.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Can see his big smile and hear his kind words.
He will be deeply missed.
Love you, Stevie. Rest in peace and fly high in that big blue sky.
Alana
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sharon
Alana,
Just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers…praying that your faith will uphold you and that loving memories will heal your heart. Hugs my dear friend! Sympathies go out to the whole family.
Our prayers to the family of a great friend. We went to Air Shows, on motorcycle rides and played video games late into the night. We lived and breathed the ANRA project at work for over a year. Steve looked out for everyone else first and himself last with a smile on his face. He would light up the room anytime he came in. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Our condolences to the Sutherland Family on the loss of a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, a friend. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Neil and Joan Swanson
So sorry for your loss a great guy taken to soon
Life seems short for most of us, but Steve’s was cut way to soon. I had the privilege of working with Steve at Republic and later with NWA in the inspection department. An outstanding and respected man throughout his life’s work. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Nancy – Retired 2005
We will miss you Boss. He was a great supervisor and a good man. It was very obvious that he loved his wife and boys more than anything. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Sutherland family. Doug Robinson
Dear Alana, Bette and boys,
Hold tight to the beautiful memories you have shared with Stephen. May you feel comfort and peace with the Lord’s embrace, and the support of family and friends. Know our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with you. Dan and I look forward to the day the Lord comes to take us home and you can introduce us to this special man.
I am so sorry. There are no words that will make the pain and sadness go away. Please know that your family is in my prayers daily. Come soon, Lord Jesus.
Condolences to the entire famy and large friendship circle he maintained .
Will for ever Consider it an Honor
to be his friend and coworker , had the distinct pleasure of helping the family learn to rollerblade , Steve was enlightened and will forever be a true role model to each one of us .
Alana, you & your family have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly during this difficult time. We are shocked & saddened to hear of Steve’s passing! We know that the love he had for all of you was very strong & hope those memories hold you close to him & each other! Rest in peace, Steve.
Our condolences to the Sutherland Family. I had the privilege of working with Steve at NWA inspection department. Steve was always there to help in any way he could. Tom and Marsha- Retired 2005
Alana,
I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. The love of your family and friends will be a source of strength for you today and in the days to come.
Was so saddened to hear of Steves death.I worked with him as a Duck,and at N.W.A..I really enjoyed,working with Steve,and his brother Bill. Steve was a Good Man,and will be missed by all who knew him.I offer my deepest sympathy to all his family. L.A. . — NWA INSP. Retired.
Alana,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/stephen-john-sutherland/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
Our hearts, prayers and sympathies go out to you and your family.