Carolyn Steege, age 76, of Brookings passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017, at her home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Her deep and strong faith in The Lord was evident by the positive attitude she portrayed during this journey.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church in Volga, South Dakota at 5:00 P.M, with burial to follow at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church of Volga.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carolyn June (Van Veen) Steege was born in Grant County, South Dakota on June 8, 1940 to Joe and Cora Van Veen.  Carolyn attended school in Milbank, South Dakota and graduated in 1958 from Milbank High School.  That same year Carolyn was crowned the Milbank Dairy Princess and competed in the state pageant.  In 1960 she entered into marriage with Duane Steege, and went on to have four children.  Carolyn moved to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1976, where she raised her children and was awarded the Minnesota Single Parent Of The Year.

Carolyn was an avid gardener.  She loved to sew, bake, and bowling was a favorite pastime.  Devoting her life to taking care of her children and grandchildren, she would do anything to help others.  Independent and strong, Carolyn lived a life that we can all be proud of.

Carolyn is survived by her four children: Kirk (Diana) Steege of Volga, SD, Karmin (Tim) Stanley of Montgomery, MN, Kari Jo (Rob) Wachal of Highland Village, TX, and Karl of Arlington, SD; eight grandchildren: Joseph Butler, Cora (Chet LaBrasseur) Butler, Meaghan Steege, Lauren Steege, Elizabeth Wachal, Emily Wachal, Willard Steege, and Ingrid Steege; great-grandchildren: Kyla Butler and Owen LaBrasseur; brothers and sisters: Eileen Pierson of Toledo, OH, Donnie (Margaret) Van Veen of Milbank, SD, Joan Johnson, of Milbank, SD, David (Carmen) Van Veen, of Milbank, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother and father, Joe and Cora Van Veen;  brothers-in-law Phillip Johnson and Richard Pierson; sister-in-law Darlene Van Veen; nephew Travis Van Veen; and grand-niece Leah Brekke.