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Stephen Paul Hernick, age 67, of Lindstrom, passed away November 23, 2016, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with ALS.

The first of seven children, Steve was born February 13, 1949 to Margaret A. and Paul W. Hernick. While attending DeLaSalle High School, he worked at Sveden House Restaurant, where he met his future wife, Susan. He continued his studies at the University of Minnesota, graduating with bachelor degrees in Mathematics, in Architecture, and in Environmental Design. Steve worked as a professional architect, but when the long hours kept him from his family, he traded pay and prestige to work in the building codes division for the State of Minnesota, starting out as a plans examiner and working his way up to be the State Building Official and Assistant Director before retiring in February 2015.

Steve was a hard worker, equal parts hopeful and stubborn, a thrifty and meticulous planner, and a man who valued his family above all else. He especially enjoyed spending time and sharing hugs with his beloved grandchildren. Steve continually looked beyond his own needs to the needs of others, acted justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly before God. He refused to benefit from anybody else’s loss, and he derived more pleasure from seeing someone else’s preference met than from satisfying his own.

In the summer of 2015, when Steve was diagnosed with ALS and Susan with cancer, they supported each other, just as they had done through 36 years of marriage. His family would like to thank their friends, neighbors, and the Fairview Lakes Homecaring and Hospice staff for their prayers, care, and support as he fought his disease.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents.

He will be deeply missed by many, but he has a living legacy in his wife Susan, in his children Christopher (Hannah) and Matthew (Erin); grandchildren Eliza and Abel, his siblings, nieces, nephews, and in all the lives he has touched. He was a faithful man, a loyal husband, a gentle father, and a servant leader.

Funeral service was held Sunday, November 27, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrӧm.

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