Steve was born July 29, 1927, on a farm north of Sturgis to John and Jesse (Dryer) Bestgen. He graduated from St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis. Along with his dad and brother, Phillip, he worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to America after his service, he attended Black Hills State College where he studied pre-med. He was accepted into Creighton University in Omaha, but his love of farming called him home. In his spare time from the farm, during the late 60's and throughout the 70's, he was responsible for the construction and development of many properties in Sturgis. Eventually, he married Norma Deckert and settled on ranching.

For those who knew him, he was a very generous man who helped countless people in countless ways; and he will be sorely missed.

Steve Bestgen, 89, Sturgis, died Thursday, September 8, 2016, at Sturgis Regional Hospital. He was a lifetime area rancher and businessman.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; daughter, Lori (Mike) Rodenz; stepchildren, Cindy Hugen, Jerry (Sue) Hugen, and Marty Hugen; step-granddaughter, Amanda (Joe) Jaksha; step-grandsons, Chance Rodenz and Jett Rodenz; and two step great-granddaughters, Ava Jaksha and Aliza Jaksha; brother, Phillip Bestgen; sister, Connie Gray; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Justine Bruch, Veronica Bogner, Bette Bestgen, and Pat McDermott; and one brother, Leo Bestgen.

Visitation will be Sunday, September11, 2016, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2016, at St. Martin's Chapel in Sturgis. Burial with military honors will follow at the St. Aloysius Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the St. Martin's Chapel Restoration Fund or the St. Aloysius Cemetery.