Stephen Thomas Simpson

Stephen Thomas Simpson
Died September 20, 2026 - 86 Years of Age
Life, Service and Faith

Stephen Thomas Simpson was born to Orin Sperlin Simpson and Margaret Amy Simpson in Schenectady, New York on January 28, 1940 in the midst of an especially harsh winter which saw a record Valentine's Day blizzard drop four feet of snow with drifts as tall as 20 feet paralyzing the city. These conditions must somehow have been a catalyst for Steve's buoyant and determined spirit. Even through his early years and in spite of his independent nature, the Lord was calling him to Himself.

As a ten-year old living in the World War II boom town of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania Steve continued to revel in his cleverness and independence. At one point, he decided to take matters into his own hands and put to good use an acid obtained by his mother for wart removal. This resulted in him spilling the corrosive liquid down his face and chest leaving life long scars that would be a permanent reminder of what the price of willful independence could be.

In the early 1950's Steve's family moved to Louisville, Kentucky at the behest of his father's employer General Electric. He began playing basketball, running track, and forming genuine friendships that would shape his current and future life. As a 15 year old he met Sue Ann, the identical twin sister of Sally. On the day he received his drivers license he took Sue Ann out on their first date...and they lived to tell about it. Later in his high school career he would twice finish second at the Kentucky State Meet in the 880 yard run, and third in the Mile. He would also be appointed to the United States Naval Academy. Having assured Sue Ann of his undying love and commitment, he packed up his dramamine and life jacket, and headed to Annapolis, Maryland. All the while Steve continued to have the feeling that there was a higher race he needed to run.

Steve graduated from the Naval Academy in 1962 and immediately did what made the most sense marrying the beautiful and charming Sue Ann. His four year commitment to the Navy had him away and serving at Sea when both Matt and Gary were born. Realizing that this would never work he took a position at the University of Louisville leading the Naval ROTC program which allowed him to serve while at home. In 1972 Steve's family moved to Bloomington, Indiana where David was born and he earned a Doctorate in business administration. It was there that both Steve and Sue Ann began to see clearly that the foundation for their lives could not be based on independence, or success, or even universal goodwill toward fellow man. The foundation could only be unwavering belief in Jesus Christ and what he had done for them.

They spent 5 years at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1978 where Steve took on his first professorship at the openly Christian institution of Bethel College (now University). The life changing faith Steve had discovered required that he help shape the lives of young men and women who felt the same calling to serve Christ. In the ensuing years he also taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Northwestern College in Arden Hills, Minnesota. After 28 years of teaching his career concluded in 2005 when he and Sue Ann retired and began doting more fully on their 11 grandchildren, leading bible studies, and enjoying God's beautiful white-sand sunsets in the Florida panhandle.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Orin and Margaret, and his wife, Sue Ann of 57 years. He is survived by his sister, Susan Vosburg; his sons, Matthew (Kandee), Gary (Susan) and David (Jennifer); his eleven grandchildren, Colin, Keegan (Nadia), Lauren (Jake), Madeline (Tim), Christian, Lydia, Ellie, Sophia, Levi, Josiah, and Leily; and his two great grandchildren Locke and Leighton.

The funeral service for Steve will be held at First Evangelical Free Church, 2969 Hazelwood St., Maplewood, MN 55109 on Monday, September 28th. Visitation at 10am. Service at 11am. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery the following day, promptly at 1pm.