Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Formerly South St Paul, MN
Passed away unexpectedly on April 26, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Marko and Anna Sporcic, his siblings, Joe, Emil (Terri), John (Clara), Tony (Margaret), Sophie Bernier (Jack), in-laws Marjorie and Peter Gelao, sister in-law, Patricia Hageman (Jerry), and daughter in-law (Amy).
Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joanne, 4 loving children, Stephen, Michael, Cynthia, and Pete, 5 grandchildren, Robert, Jessica Halloran (Clinton Stewart), Stephen, Emily (Francisco Guerra), and Zachary (Brittani), 5 great granddaughters Emma, Lynn, Morgan, Eleanor, and Isabel, bonus great grandchildren, Bella, Vincent and Dominic, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Growing up in South St Paul, he helped his father Marko at the Croatian Hall, and worked the 4H Cafeteria with his mother, Anna. In high school, he wrestled and played Right Tackle for the SSP Packers. South St Paul HS graduate class 
of 1956. After high school, Steve enlisted in the Navy, and proudly served during the Cold War as a Navy Seaman 1956 – 1958 on the destroyer, USS Zellars (DD-777).
While in the Navy, Steve met his future bride, Joanne, while home on leave at the Kaposia Club. While away, they wrote each other and fell in love through letters. Once returning from service in the Mediterranean Sea, Steve began work on a delivery route with 7UP and met many life-long friends. On October 8th, 1960, Steve and Joanne were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in South Saint Paul, MN and had their wedding reception at the Croatian Hall, South Saint Paul, MN. Not long after they were married, they started their family, and Steve began working his lifetime career as an Insurance Agent. In the early days, agents met with families in their homes, and worked many evenings, but he always came home to have supper with his family before heading out for evening appointments. Steve graduated from Inver Hills CC in 1975 and expanded from life insurance to all types of insurance.
Steve’s passions were his Family, Minnesota Vikings, his Croatian Heritage, new cars, History (especially Native American History), and a love of travel and adventures. Family was the most important thing to Steve ~ celebrating every holiday together with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved having BBQs, pool parties, “Christmas in July”, and attending every wedding, graduation, or funeral he was invited to by family, friends, and clients (it was an honor for him to be invited). For the last 10 years, he and Joanne hosted Saturday morning breakfast with their family EVERY WEEK.
Steve loved all Minnesota sports teams especially the Minnesota Vikings. He was a season ticket holder for many years. Steve instilled a love of MN Vikings to his children and had a tradition of going to Minnesota Training Camp in Mankato and Eagan, MN. He enjoyed visiting the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan, MN.
His Croatian Heritage was very special to him. He was a member of the Croatian Hall and always attended the annual Christmas Party, and other events like the 100th Anniversary party with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Steve and Joanne also became connected with the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City, KS and attended many events there as well. In 1997, Steve and his niece, Marcie traveled to Croatia with one of the first tourist groups after Croatia earned its Independence. In 2005, he went to Italy and returned to Croatia to experience it with Joanne and 3 of his children. While there he visited a Croatian orphanage which touched his heart and he supported for many years.
His love of travel could not be matched! Whether it was a day trip to Brainerd to pick up vanilla from a nephew, driving to a casino to get a free gift he could donate at a fundraiser, or taking a trip with each of his children and grandchildren to Pipestone, MN to visit the Pipestone National Monument (U.S. National Park) visitor center and museum to learn about Native American culture, the historic Pipestone quarries, beautiful tallgrass prairie, and the majestic Winnewissa waterfall.
He and Joanne traveled to all 50 states by the mid-90s (then started over again). Most of their travels the last 20 years were spent visiting his niece Marcie and her family and nephew Tony (Rita) in Texas and connecting with his Navy buddies from the USS Zellars as a member of the “Tin Can Sailors”, the National Association of Destroyer Veterans. He and Joanne traveled to “Bull Sessions” in Oshkosh, WI regularly, and across the United States to many Annual National Reunions to visit other Navy ships and tour the cities they were in (too many to name!). Steve and his bride, Joanne, spread joy, smiles, and handed out pens everywhere they went and traveled. Thank you for being you!!!
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 18th 9:00-11:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM with luncheon to follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3535 72nd St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.