It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Steven Allan Polzin, fondly remembered as "Stevie P," of Sioux Falls at the age of 72. He was blessed to share his final peaceful moments on the morning of January 4th at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation and a Celebration of Life service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1700 East 6th Street in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 12 – 2pm, and the service from 2 to 3pm on Saturday, January 18th, 2025.

Born in Redwood City, CA, on August 2nd, 1952, to his parents Marilyn (Kroeger) Polzin and Kenneth Polzin, Steve was known for his many affectionate nicknames, including "Buddha Baby," "butt-chunk," and "pecker-head." After leaving home, he joined the Job Corp in Ogden, UT, and completed his high school education by obtaining his G.E.D. Steve often described himself as a "jack-of-all-trades and a master of none." Throughout his life, he worked in various roles, from a butcher at Greenley's Packing, a long and short haul truck driver, a diesel machinery mechanic for J.L. Healy and DMI, to a manager and bartender at Walter's HiHo. His final employment brought him back to the Hi Ho as a part-time bartender.

A seemingly hopeless romantic, Steve was unafraid to seek love. He shared parts of his life in marriage with Marlene, Kim, and Sandy before spending over 20 years with his high school sweetheart, Sue. In his final months, he lived with his son until his passing. Steve often said he had at least eight children, and while most were not his by birth, he treated them all as if they were. Known for his stubborn and ornery nature, he had a big heart that he wore on his sleeve for those he cared for. He was always quick to offer help, providing a sense of worth through his ability to tackle almost any task despite physical limitations. Steve exemplified perseverance and grit, teaching us all the value of determination. A sociable person, he easily made fast friends wherever he went, often visiting or calling family and friends to keep in touch.

Steve enjoyed staying busy and wasn't a fan of just sitting around the house doing nothing with his time. He loved working with his hands on little projects—from tinkering on his beat-up Impala, retreading the snowblower, woodworking, and finding other broken things to fix, to give them more value. He truly mastered the ability to make a little go a long way. In his later years, he enjoyed fishing, socializing, playing cards (especially Cribbage), and if he had some money to spare once his bills were paid, he enjoyed spending time at the casinos playing video lottery. He was an avid Gonzaga men's basketball fan, and, to the dismay of most of us, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan (who did manage to win their final game for him this year just after his passing). He really enjoyed anything that had to do with family and was especially fond of the memories he had of visiting the Grand Canyon and his annual visits to Wally's nursery to help everyone pick out their pumpkins for Halloween.

Steve was as flawed as any of us are but he was always well intentioned. He wasn't always the best at communication but he had a kind heart and a caring nature. He had many loving friends and loving family members that will truly miss his presence. He was loved by so many.

Steve is survived by his sons Stew (Lori) Polzin, Sweet (Que) Fisher and Michael (Rachel) Noonan; his daughters Seri Paradise, Summer (Jeff) Bilben, Kathleen (Brandon) Puttman, Tracy (Jeff) Munce, and Sarah Dlugosh; his brother Stuart Polzin; his sisters Ceri (Jerrol) Jensen, Lynn (Butch) Margeson, and Marti (Rob) Swearingen; and his many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn, his father, Kenneth, and his ex-wives, Kimberly, and Sandy.