Steven James "Steve" Stepan, age 75 of Ely died Friday, April 26, 2019 at Essentia – St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.  He was born April 5, 1944 in Soudan, the son of John and Marion (Atwood) Stepan, was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School, and served in the Army National Guard. Steve grew up in Soudan, MN and lived in Chicago, IL, Bonita Springs, FL, and Lake Vermilion-Tower prior to moving to Ely, MN.  Steve worked as a hunting and fishing guide on Crooked Lake for Billy Zup while in high school, was a co-founder of Chase Associates Engineering firm in Chicago, and owned and operated the Glenmore Resort on Lake Vermilion. He was a published author writing several books on handguns, and the fictional work, "Sundown at Dawn".  He was a member of the Lake Vermilion Resort Association, a Texas Hold-em poker group, the Tower Liar's Club, was an avid outdoorsman, and loved traveling the world as often as he could. Steve was well-read, knew a lot about many subjects, and was always willing to enter into spirited conversations.

Steve is survived by his children: Gwen (Michael) Loyd of Pingree Grove, IL and David (Jennifer) Stepan of Sun Prairie,WI; grandchildren: Lilly, Corey, Salem, and another grandson on the way; siblings: Jeanne (Terry) Driscoll and Paul (Robin) Stepan all of Tower, MN; former spouse: Joan Stepan of Sandwich, IL, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, girlfriend:  Victory Jeffers of Chicago, IL and many friends, including close friend:  Flossie Strickland of Ely, MN; and his beloved cat: Callie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: John E. Stepan and Edward J. Stepan, and his niece/goddaughter: Shannon Driscoll.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Bauman's Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower, MN. Bill Bauman will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com