Our beloved and longtime pastor of 38 years, Father Steve Adrian, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 82. His funeral was on December 21.
Fr. Stephen Adrian, known fondly as Fr. Steve, devoted his life to serving St. Paul’s West Side community with unwavering love and dedication. As a beloved priest of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, he was a pillar of strength and compassion, nurturing generations of parishioners through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and countless other significant moments.
Ordained on December 8, 1968, Fr. Steve served at two parishes before St. Matthew: Incarnation in Minneapolis (1968-1972 and 1974-1978) and St. Leonard of Port Maurice in Minneapolis (1972-1974). In 1978, he became the guiding light of St. Matthew’s Catholic Community, where he faithfully served for 34 years. During his time at St. Matthew’s, Fr. Steve founded and supported numerous community programs aimed at enhancing the lives of residents, especially those who found their first home in the Twin Cities as immigrants.
Fr. Steve was also passionately committed to the education of young people. He tirelessly raised funds and advocated for Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, serving as its canonical administrator and championing its mission to provide a strong foundation for future generations.
In retirement, Fr. Steve served at the Church of the Assumption, and Carondelet Village in addition to his continued work with Community of Saints Regional School.
Fr. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Ann Adrian; his brother, Michael; his infant sister, Elizabeth; and his brother-in-law, Terry Koves. He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Sam (Gloria); sisters, Ann Koves and Mary Adrian; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, sister-in-law Maureen O’Connor, and good friend and companion Fr. Martin Warren.
Fr. Steve’s legacy of service, faith, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
You may leave comments below.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church or Community of Saints Regional Catholic School – st-matts.org/donate
- Fr. Steve's visitation and funeral Mass were held at the Church of St. Matthew on December 20-21, 2024.
- Worship aid for funeral Mass: 2024.12.21 - Worship Aid - Adrian Funeral.pdf
- Private interment at Riverview Cemetery.
- Father Steve's Obituary
- Soup and Stories: Remembering Fr. Steve Adrian, January 25-26, 2025 at St. Matthew's Church.
- A Letter from Fr. Steve Adrian’s Family
Mary Brick Ziemer says
This may be late; however; I was so sorry to hear of St Matthew’s’ loss as well as the Adrian family of Father Steven Adrian.
I was not a member of St Matthew’s but occasionally chose to attend Mass at St Matthew’s. I am member of the neighboring St Joseph Catholic, parish, West St Paul.
The reason I am sending this message is because I grew up in a small town, Bird Island MM.
The name of my priest growing up as a child was Father Stephen Adrian who was a the uncle of Father Steven Adrian at St Matthew’s, St Paul MN. The Father Adrian in Bird Island was also a wonderful priest . I was fortunate to have had two Adrian priests as a pastor!
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Julie Leon says
Father Adrian Steve, may you rest in peace! You were our “grandpa” to the my boys, my husband, and I.
We always looked forward to seeing you for the one-on-one faith formation teachings and Sunday worship over the past 2 years. All 3 boys, Lorenzo Jr. (Dad), Lorenzo III (older brother), and Julian Puente (youngest one) made their 3 sacrament’s (Baptism, First Reconciliation, Confirmation) on Easter Virgil 2024 with your compassionate guidance and teachings.
Our family couldn’t have had one of the best teachers to guide us in our spiritual journey we recently became members of St. Matt’s church. You gifted their first bibles that we will forever cherish in remembrance of you.
P. S. I still have your business card you gave me in my wallet with one of your last words to us saying, “You can reach me by snail mail.” We will always remember & miss you Father Steve!
Love,
The León-Puente Family
Julie León, Lorenzo Jr., Lorenzo III, Julian Puente
Margaret Perron Deeb says
In the last month of his life, Fr. Steve asked to meet with my grandson, Henry Deeb. There was nothing he could have done that would have pleased me more. I know he invited other boys too. He expressed that he wanted the chance to influence and inspire them. I’m sure that kindness will stay with them all their days, as it will with me. That looking toward the future was such a meaningful thing for him to do! I will love, and be grateful to him always and for many other and very kind reasons of support and care.
Rick Ziton says
Father Adrian has long been in my life as a west sider. He was so wonderful to Kate and I. Rest in peace Father Steve.
Dan long says
Thank you Father Adrian for serving our community and showing that God loves all of us you will be dearly missed.
John4:19 We love because he first loved us
Fr. Duane Pribula says
As a seminarian Fr. Steve Adrian was creative and full of energy. His reading segments of THE LITTLE PRINCE during a seminary holiday party made a lasting impression on many of us. Yes! God’s revelations are found in children’s literature! Fr. Steve was an excited apostle of Jesus!
Mark says
Saint Matt’s wasn’t my home parish growing up but I attended frequently with my grandparents as a child and with my then fiancé as an adult. I was always moved to joy and peace by father Steve’s warmth, gentle kindness and wisdom. Father Steve married my parents, baptized my brothers and I, buried my grandparents and married my wife and I. My middle name is Stephen because of him. He was an incredible example of how to live a humble, loving, and generous life. Rest in the love and grace of Christ.
Bill Meyer says
Father Steve R.I.P. 🙏🏼 you were the best! I really enjoyed your sermons over the years, you knew the Bible verses.. by heart ❤️ Such a nice man, & one of your greatest! Gifts was your loved for the children 🙏🏼 your be dearly missed, But your in Heaven. & will all miss you.
Kathleen M Rowe says
Fr. Steve was a source of inspiration for my family. He was present for baptisms, weddings and funeral. Very impressed when my niece invited him to Baltimore to preside at her wedding and he said yes! Fr. Steve, you welcomed the stranger, the poor, the forgotten and the imprisoned, You were the exemplar of whom we should be as a people of God. Rest well with the Lord knowing that you are loved and your preachings will be treasured and celebrated.
Anne Peiffer says
Fr Steve was a wonderful and compassionate guide when my husband and I were preparing for marriage. He answered my concerns with great understanding. We have been married for over 30 years.
Tom Cullen says
Steve is more than my friend, he is the light in the eastern sky that gives hope at the dawn of the day!
When Jesus commissioned the disciples to tend His flock Fr. Steve is exactly what He had in mind! I am sure Sunday that Jesus welcomed him into heaven with the words we hope to hear,”well done, my good and faithful servant!”
I am so grateful that God let me know Steve and I pray that I can honor him by following his example!
Vicki Baker says
You went swiftly into the arms of Jesus. Your humble leadership, wisdom and kindnesses will be missed here. Your love of the young and old was witnessed daily. You walked the walk. My loved ones in Heaven are there embracing you again. I shall miss you deeply.
Lucus Ecker says
Father Adrian, thank you for living as a model of Our Lord Jesus Christ, God thank you for bringing Steve into our lives!
Jonn 13:12-17
12 So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. 14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. 16 Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
Viavt Jesus
David Sandbeck says
The world is a lesser place without Father Adrian.
Kim Anderson says
Rest in Our Lady and Lord’s presence Fr. Steve. You were a great inspiration to so many of us and your love and commitment to Casa Guadalupana will never be forgotten by the Casa family. Thank you for the compassion you shared with the world.
Carol Mike says
Good and faithful servant, you have earned your eternal reward. Steve, I will be for ever grateful for your guidance, care and friendship. Eternal rest grant onto you. You are already missed.
Carol Lee Folsom says
God speed Father Adrian. You are Loved and will be missed by thousands of us ❤ God has a Special place up in Heaven for you
David says
Rest in peace Father Adrian. When things weren’t going the way I wanted you were there to guide me when I was younger my deepest apologies for falling away from you and loosing contact with you. You always had a influence on my choices
Daniel Vega says
A visual expression of God’s love! Rest now, my dear Pastor ❤️
Daniell McCulloch says
Peaceful, Eternal Rest, Fr. Adrian
Sheree Franco says
Rest in honor, Father Adrian.
Your comforting words and prayers guided myself and many of my loved ones. From baptisms to burials, celebrations and tribulations… thank you, we will see you again.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3
Kimberly Rowan says
Steve will be dearly missed. He did so much for the Rowans and the Emersons and so many others on the West Side. I wish him Godspeed on his journey home. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.