Stephen Arthur Else
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Stephen's obituary
In Loving Memory of Stephen Arthur Else
April 13, 1946 – June 18, 2025
Stephen Arthur Else, beloved father, husband, son, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18th at the age of 79. Born in Edina, Minnesota, he lived a rich and meaningful life marked by deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family.
He spent some of his formative years living abroad in Guatemala while his father served as the United States Ambassador, becoming fluent in Spanish via his nanny, Maria, and developed an early appreciation for different cultures.
In his adolescence he attended Blake Preparatory School for boys in Minnesota and later a Cadet Academy in Mississippi. A lifelong learner, he attended Thunderbird Global University in Phoenix, Arizona and earned his MBA from the University of Minnesota. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, in the 313th Tactical Airlift Wing combat support group near Topeka, Kansas, continuing a legacy of service and resilience.
His professional journey began at GTE Global Telecommunications where he took a job abroad in the Philippines, training employees on the new telephone system. While working in the Philippines he met his future wife, Victoria and they returned to the states together and were married. His career at GTE continued in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Minnesota for a software developer role at Control Data Corporation. Later he worked at Pfizer and Boston Scientific, where he brought diligence, integrity, and curiosity to his work as Degreed Medical Laboratory Technician.
More than any title or role, his greatest joy in life was being a father. He attended every sports game, helped with every school project, and delighted in sharing knowledge with his daughters, whom he loved beyond words.
He had a deep and thoughtful soul, with a passion for reading- particularly the Bible, history, science fiction, and astronomy. He found delight in life’s simple pleasures, such as tending the garden, walking the dogs, or enjoying a slice of his favorite strawberry rhubarb pie. A long-time member of the church, he was committed to his faith, attending regular Bible study and living out the values he held dear.
Throughout his later years, even as he faced declining mobility and health challenges, he remained humble, positive, and never complained. He expressed a sense of humor, graciousness, and kindness with the nurses, doctors, and physical therapists who cared for him even on the days when he didn’t feel at his best. His strong faith in God reminded him that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
Stephen had an adventurous life and enjoyed sharing stories about his experiences as well as listening to the experiences of others. He was a devoted Christian, a dog person, and a loving father whose quiet strength will live on in those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered by his unwavering patience and kindness. Stephen was cherished dearly by his family and will be profoundly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria Aquino Else, his daughters, Stephanie Mae Gamache (nee Else), Lindsey Josephine Else and his grandchildren Grady Brian Gamache, Lucille Mae Gamache, and Ethan Zephyr Gamache. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Mae Else (nee Stoven), Father Merle Sherwood Else and younger brother David Sherwood Else.
Flowers or messages of condolence can be mailed to Victoria Else:
11001 Bren Rd E Minnetonka, MN 55343, Unit # 604.
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