Dana Steinwand

   Dana Kent Steinwand, born on September 15, 1951, passed away at home on December 26, 2024, in West Fargo, North Dakota.

   Dana was the only son of Martha (Kempf) and Jacob Steinwand.  Dana grew up in and around Garrison, ND, with his older sister Gwen, who he made it his mission in life to torment.  While attending Garrison high school, Dana played the trumpet in the high school band. He hated it so much that immediately upon graduation he threw it in Lake Sakakawea.

   Dana moved to Minot and pursued his education at Minot State University, where he laid the foundation for a life guided by dedication, and purpose.  While living in Minot he welcomed his daughter, Alison, and son, Matthew. On October 22, 1994, he married Lynda Shipman.  Dana was a member of Bread of Life Church in Minot. He worked for Nash Finch Corporation in Minot for over 25 years as a warehouse superintendent, retiring at the age of 50 to pursue a career in the ministry. 

   In the fall of 2002, he enrolled at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Dana answered calls in Viborg and Irene, SD, and Kindred and Davenport, ND, before retiring as an ordained ELCA pastor in 2015.  He and Lynda moved to West Fargo, ND. Dana wasn’t one to idle and found a third career at Costco in West Fargo.  It didn’t take long for Dana to question this career move when he was asked to promote the food court dressed as a giant slice of pizza. 

   He was a devoted husband to Lynda and loving father to his two children, Matthew and Alison. Dana was a lifelong animal lover. His favorite canine was his boxer Bailey, whom he may have sometimes treated better than his beloved wife. He enjoyed quiet nights at home with his wife and attending as many exciting NDSU football games as he could with his daughter. Dana was passionate about ensuring every person had equal rights. His very wide variety of interests and hobbies included being a proud member of the mythical society, collecting vinyl records, attending concerts (most recently Sturgill Simpson’s and Taylor Swift’s), his love of Hawaiian print shirts, his affinity for often questionable YouTube content, and traveling as much as he possibly could.

   He was preceded in death by his parents- Martha and Jacob, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

    Dana is survived by his wife, Lynda (West Fargo, ND); his children- Alison (Fergus Falls, MN) and Matthew (Erin Hewitt) (Minot, ND); his grandson Matthew Jayce Steinwand (Minot, ND), and sister and brother-in-law Gwen and Burt Traub (Phoenix, AZ).

   Known for his warm and loving spirit, Dana was often confused by the affection others felt for him. In his honor and memory, please tell someone you know how important they are to you.

Memorials may be directed to Lutheran World Relief

A private family service is being held.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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