Stephen Edward Dooley

Stephen Edward Dooley, age 67, of Maple Grove, Minn., was called home to the Lord on Friday, May 8 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, surrounded by many family members at his side. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother.

Born July 6, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Edward William Dooley and Gloria Lee (nee Richardson) Dooley, Steve grew up in New Hope and graduated from Cooper High School in Robbinsdale in 1976. He spent his career as a commercial cabinet maker and carpenter, retiring in 2025.

Steve was an artist and a creator. Besides crafting masterful, exquisite, custom-built projects like bank teller lines, the ceiling at Orchestra Hall and the locker room for the University of Minnesota, Steve’s biggest passions were motorcycles and music—and once he became a grandpa, his grandkids. He was a collector of various interests, including motorcycles and historical and fantasy weaponry, along with creating some of his own designs. Since retiring, he was determined to ride every day that he could, making the most of any good (or mediocre) weather day in Minnesota. His musical talent was self-taught, and he plucked around and learned naturally by sound or, more recently by watching YouTube videos, on many instruments including the guitar, harmonica, drums and piano. He loved sharing his favorite vintage music, cultural icons and mathematical patterns and phenomena of the universe, especially passing on culture to his five grandchildren, who he adored.

All who knew him would know Steve as kind, easygoing, funny, generous and someone who always cared for others. He loved to tell jokes and make everyone around him smile. Steve helped anyone and everyone, especially on projects where he could lend his gifts and talents. His door was always open to friends and family. Steve was joyous in life, humble in character, jovial in spirit and resourceful with any tool.

Steve is survived by his sons, Nicholas (Amy) Dooley of Stillwater and Eric (Elena) Dooley of Champlin; grandchildren Josiah, Caleb and Nora Dooley and Elizabeth and Nova Dooley; brothers Patrick (Diane) Dooley of Maple Lake and John (Darla) Dooley of Corcoran; sisters Deborah (Rich) Stanchfield of Maple Grove, Denise Dooley of Brooklyn Park, Micki (Wayne) Becker of Otsego, Catherine (Hank) Breyaert of New Kent, Va., Rosemary (Jim) Wagner of Brooklyn Park and Mary Bridget (Nick) Olsen of Maple Lake; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Jesse Stanchfield.

Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels at 3888 W Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale, MN 55422. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 9100 93rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, Minn., followed by interment at Old St. Timothy’s Cemetery in Maple Lake.