Steven Samuelson

Steven D. Samuelson, 63, of Fergus Falls, died on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his residence.

Steven Darrell Samuelson was born on January 25, 1963, at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, Minnesota. He was baptized at North Immanuel Church in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and later confirmed in his faith at Faith Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Steven grew up in Fergus Falls, a place that shaped much of who he became. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School, where he was a proud member of the hockey team. Hockey was more than a sport to Steven—it was camaraderie, competition, and joy, and it reflected his lifelong love of being part of a team.

After high school, Steven attended Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He went on to build a career as a project manager, a role well-suited to his practical nature, strong work ethic, and ability to bring people together to get things done.

Steven will be remembered most for his outgoing social charm and his genuine love for people. He was always ready with a laugh, a story, or a warm hug, and he had a way of making others feel welcome wherever he went. He loved sports and enjoyed playing hockey, broomball, and softball, but his greatest passion was auto racing.

That love for racing began early—helping work on his father’s cars at Wee-Town Speedway—and stayed with him throughout his life. Whether cheering from the stands or talking shop, Steven was a devoted fan as his cousin and brother raced at I-94 Speedway in Fergus Falls. He never missed a chance to talk racing and was always eager to share his enthusiasm, no matter the time or place.

Steven is survived by his two sons, Morgan Bertelsen of Talent, Oregon, and Sawyer Bertelsen of Vancouver, Washington, who were a great source of pride in his life; his mother, Mavis of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; his brother, Scott of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; his sister, Stephanie Kern (Mike Kern) of West Fargo, North Dakota; along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Samuelson.

Steven will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held later this summer. Details will be announced at a later date.