Steven John Dostal

Steve J Dostal was born on December 4, 1951, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to LeRoy and Myrtle Dostal. He grew up as one of nine children and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and devotion to family throughout his life.

While attending Mayo High School in Rochester, Steve met the love of his life, Shelley Button. Their high school romance grew into a lifelong love story and a marriage built on friendship, family, love, and unwavering devotion.

Steve was a gifted athlete who excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and softball. He attended Rochester Community College, where he earned NJCAA All-American football honors in 1974 and 1975 and was named Most Valuable Senior Player at the National Lutheran Basketball Tournament of Champions in 1977.

Steve proudly served three years in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist 5. He served in road construction engineering as a blade-grader operator and received the National Defense Service Medal and Expert recognition with the M-16.

Following his military service & college Steve began his railroad career with the Chicago & North Western Railroad and later retired from the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad after more than 30 years of dedicated service. He was proud to be a railroad man and worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Steve and Shelley raised their children, Jared and Marissa, in Rochester, MN and created a life filled with love, family, travel, sports, and cherished memories. After retirement, they fulfilled their dream of traveling the country in their RV before settling in Casa Grande, Arizona, where they enjoyed many wonderful years of golf, friendships and retirement together.

Steve loved spending time with his family, golfing with his buddies, playing softball, and cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings. Though often quiet and stoic, those who knew him best recognized his kind heart, loyalty, and deep love for his family.

Steve is survived by his wife Shelley, son Jared and daughter-in-law Pilar, his daughter Marissa Lane and son-in-law Andrew; his grandchildren Keenan Dostal and Georgie Lane; his siblings Dave Dostal, Bob Dostal, Gary Dostal, Pam Runyon, Peggy Berndt, Jay Button, Brad Button, Lisa Button; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Myrtle Dostal; his siblings, LeRoy Jr., Pat Dostal, and Wayne Dostal; and his parents-in-law, Jim and Shirley Button, and brother-in-law, Greg Button.

Steve’s greatest joy was his family. His strength, kindness, loyalty, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home and Gardens in Huntsville, Alabama.