Obituary: F Stephen McGarvey

In loving memory and honor of F Stephen McGarvey, who died at the age of 80 on Aug. 10, 2024, in Buffalo, Minnesota. His family and close friends surrounded him with love, support, comfort and music for the days leading up to his homegoing. He looked forward with great anticipation to meeting Jesus face to face and to reuniting with his wife and family, who are already in Paradise.

Steve is survived by many of his family members, both those born to him and those who were loved by him through marriage. He is survived by his son J Anthony McGarvey (Sueann); his daughter, Jennifer Petrowski (Jesse); and his youngest son, Justin McGarvey (Brook). He is also survived by his grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud, Logan McGarvey, Julian McGarvey, V Keagan Stenger, Raven Thomas, June McGarvey, Grayce McGarvey, Emmaline McGarvey and Anders McGarvey; and by his great-grandchildren, Quentin Thomas, Vincent Thomas and Adalynn Stenger.

He was preceded in death by his wife and beloved supporter, Jean McGarvey; his parents, Fred and Grayce McGarvey; his sister, Susan McGarvey; and grandson Colin Zurnieden.

Steve was born March 12, 1944, to Fred and Grayce McGarvey in Nyack, New York. He was a preacher's son. His father served as a pastor for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and his family relocated across the country several times during his youth. Steve often reminisced about his days living in Kansas and considered that his home state. He attended St. Paul Bible College in St. Paul, Minnesota, after high school and met his wife, Jean, during his first years there. Steve and Jean married and moved to Big Lake, where Steve drove semi-truck until he returned to St. Paul Bible College to complete his degree in ministry. In 1979, he moved his family to Tyler, Texas, where he was the pastor of his first Christian and Missionary Alliance church. Later, he served as pastor at Christian and Missionary Alliance churches in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and in St. Michael and Cloquet. For most of his adult life, he continued driving semi-truck to support his family so he could take pastoral positions in smaller churches and communities. He retired from preaching and commercial driving in 2017 due to his wife Jean's medical needs.

While his children were growing up, he took his family on many road trips across the country. He loved having his family together as they explored mountains, deserts, oceans and more. He showed them the wonders of creation, the beauty of back roads and the value in the lives of people who lived along the way.

Steve McGarvey was completely committed to preaching and sharing the Gospel with anyone he encountered. His passion was to ensure that everyone he met knew how loved they were by Jesus, and he used his time, hands, energy and resources to show people they were highly valued. He was especially drawn to people who were hurting and would spend many of his days caring deeply for them through listening, praying, counseling, or jumping right in to help ease physical burdens. He was extremely patient and kind, he was generous, and he was so very loved.

A memorial service and celebration of F Stephen McGarvey's life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at the Connection Pointe Church, 3477 10th St. NE in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Pine Knot News, Aug. 16, 2024