Steven “Snappy” Hirte

Steven B. “Snappy” Hirte, age 73 of Lakeland, Minnesota, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, after being diagnosed last year with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, terminal brain disease. Steve was born on December 20, 1946 in Stillwater, Minnesota, to Bernie and Mae (Miller) Hirte. He grew up in Lakeland and graduated from the Stillwater High School. On February 22, 1969, he was united in marriage to Laurel Schmugge at Mt. Olive  Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Lakeland and were blessed a daughter, Heather. Steve worked for Northern States Power at the King Plant in Bayport, Minnesota for many years before starting a career with Snap-on Tools, where Steve got his nickname “Snappy” from his days as a salesman before becoming a District Manager.

Snappy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and spending time on the St. Croix River. The St. Croix River was his serenity and catching the elusive walleye was his reward. Steve was a scratch golfer who worked the pro shops at local courses, such as Hudson and Troy Burne. Steve simply loved life. He appreciated the little things in life and never took things for granted.

Steve will remain in the hearts of his wife and best friend of 51 years, Laurie; daughter, Heather (Brian) Betz; grandsons, Cameron and Jaeden Betz; brother, Terry (Ann) Hirte; brother-in-law, Dan Asmus; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Mae Hirte; and siblings, Jeffrey Hirte, Becky Hirte, and Deborah Asmus.

A memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.