It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Elizabeth “Liz” Kay Steenerson (Hanson), formerly from Drayton, North Dakota. On May 8, 2023, she was welcomed home by God, surrounded by her loving family at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She was a very vibrant soul whose body, unfortunately, failed her after 70 years of a remarkable journey. Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate the incredible life she lived and the indelible mark she left on our hearts.
On September 23, 1952, in Drayton ND, Chris John and Dorothy Francis (Johnson) Hanson welcomed Liz into this world. Born into a loving family, she was the youngest of four children. Liz graduated from Kennedy High School in 1971. She married her high-school sweetheart, Bob Steenerson, on June 30, 1973, and together they made a home. They introduced their son Christopher to the world in 1978. Liz welcomed her second son Preston into the world in 1989 while living in Robbin, Minnesota.
With an infectious smile and a twinkle in her eyes, she possessed infectious energy that drew people to her immediately. She was the life of the party, filling the room with laughter, joy, and an insatiable love for life. Music coursed through Liz’s veins, and she loved to dance around the house with her boys, singing to Elvis or The Beatles. Liz also enjoyed playing Bingo, Rook, and Pinochle. Liz was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and loved her Minnesota Vikings. Liz was somewhat of a Snow White when it came to animals. She had many pets, including dogs, cats, horses, a raccoon, a deer, and even a crow.
Liz also had a passion for cooking. Her culinary skills were legendary in Drayton, probably because she worked at every café in town at one time or another, including the school. Her warmth and creativity were infused into every dish she prepared. She then channeled this love into her own thriving café, “Liz’s Kitchen & Arcade” which made her a pillar of the community and added a sanctuary for people to gather to share meals and play games. Chris has fond memories of spending time there with Kevin making heaping plates of nachos, much to Liz’s dismay.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Liz, we hold onto the memories of her infectious laughter, her unwavering love, and the way she filled our lives with her contagious smile. She may be gone from our sight, but she also leaves behind a tapestry of love and inspiration that will remain etched in our souls. Let us remember her as the radiant soul she was, embracing life with open arms and reminding us to dance, sing, and savor every moment. Rest in peace, dear Elizabeth. Your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Liz is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest brother Lee, and many great friends. She is survived by her sons Chris (Kaley) Steenerson of Grand Forks and Preston Kemp of Drayton; brothers Dean (Mary) Hanson of Drayton and Keith Hanson of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren Beau, Tatumn, Bella and Isaiah. Her nephew Kevin (Jaime) and nieces Michelle, Jennifer, Kacey and Kelly.
Memorial will be held Saturday May 20th, 2023 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour before at the Skjeberg Lutheran Church in Drayton.
Lunch to follow. Austin Funeral Chapel, Drayton.