Steven (Steve) Allen Cote of Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at his home in Fargo, ND.

A Memorial service for Steve will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Ken Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Steve was born March 27, 1970, at Crookston, MN son of Vern and Maxine (Polski) Cote. He was raised in the Plummer and Terrebonne area. He attended school in Plummer until 10th grade and then Red Lake Falls, MN graduating with the class of 1988.

On August 8, 1988, Steve joined the US Navy and served his country until his honorable discharge on August 7, 1992. He delivered fuel for the Strands out of Brooks, MN. On August 14, 1993, he was united in marriage to Shelly Branson at their home in Pennington County. To this union one child was born Thomas. They moved to Missouri for a time, then moved back to Roseau, MN where he worked for Roseau Petroleum. In 1995 he moved back to Missouri where he worked for DeLong in Jefferson City making the steel parts that are used for bridges all over the US.

He met Karla Quehl in Jefferson City, MO and to that relationship 2 daughters were born Virginia and Baylee. He returned to Minnesota in 2012 where he worked at Northern Contours in Fergus Falls, MN. He worked at Vector Windows for a time before moving to Fargo. While in Fargo he worked at the VA Hospital and was a frequent volunteer at the animal shelter.

Steve enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.  He held a special place in his heart for his in-laws and had many stories of time spent with them while living in Missouri.  He had a fondness for music and enjoyed many metal bands from the 80's, 90's and today.  Steve was an avid reader of Stephen King and George R.R. Martin books. He was a Viking football fan but loved watching and coaching many other teams and sports from his armchair.  He wasn't always good about keeping in touch with everyone, but he loved his kids fiercely and missed being able to see them.  Material items were never important, but he kept sentimental items like his Childrens pictures in albums and on his phone and cherished them.   He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews so much and the little ones called him Uncle Cheese.  His memories of the camaraderie he had with his Navy buddies and the adventures he had while stationed in the Navy in Jacksonville, FL were his best stories.  The friendships and fun adventures he had while in the Navy were good for a belly laugh and tears from laughing so hard.  He was honored to be working at the VA in Fargo when he was able and felt a close bond with other veterans.

Steve was survived by his children Thomas, Virginia, and Baylee; Mother Maxine Cote of Thief River Falls, MN; sister Virginia "Ginger" (Larry) Cote of Rothsay, MN and brother Bob Cote of Inkster, ND; nieces and nephews Justin, Cheryl, Kelsey, Kayla, Crysta, Chris, and Amanda; several great-nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his father Vern Cote and grandparents on both sides.