Stephen G. Ourada, age 83 of Walnut Grove, took his last breath on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Sunrise Manor in Tyler. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2023 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with a livestream on St. Olaf Lutheran Church Facebook Page. Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 29 at Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Walnut Grove Fire Department. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stephen George Ourada was born December 28, 1939 to Lad and Mae (Harlan) Ourada in Tracy, Minnesota. He was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member of English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Stephen graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1958. He continued his education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he studied to be a conservation officer. In 1963, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Stephen trained as a combat engineer at Fort Leonardwood, MO and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. On November 21, 1964 he married Bette Finger at the Tracy Methodist Church. He received his honorable discharge in June 1965 and returned home to Walnut Grove. Stephen and Bette made their home in Walnut Grove where he started working for his dad at Lad’s Mfg and Repair. He purchased the business and worked there until he retired and sold it in 2010. Stephen continued to live in the same home since 1967. He was very active in wildlife conservation serving as a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. Stephen taught the Hunters Safety Course for over 30 years and was active in the Tracy Gun Club as a trap shooter. He served in every position at his church; was a member of the Walnut Grove American Legion for 57 years and the Fire Department for 27 years – many years as chief. He was also a member of the Walnut Grove Community Club. Stephen loved his hunting dogs. He enjoyed fishing and hunting deer and waterfowl. He loved going to his cabin up north. Some of his favorite pastimes were reading and gathering wild asparagus and mushrooms. Stephen participated in football, baseball and track. He enjoyed watching Gopher football & basketball and the Minnesota Twins.
Stephen is survived by his wife Bette of 58 years; children: Renee (significant other John Biglow) Ourada of Minnetrista and Stephen (Teri) Ourada of Laramie, WY; grandchildren: Jacob (significant other Kortnie) Ourada, Caden Ourada, Hunter & Carter Pederson; great granddaughter Emery Ourada; stepmother: Beatrice Ourada of Spicer; brothers-in-law: Larry (Denise) Finger of Smithville, MO and Duane (Marilyn) Finger of Kimball; aunt Arlis Ourada of Walnut Grove; nephews: John & Jason Ourada, Curtis Dehn, Rick Ourada (godson) and Steve Marben (godson); godchildren: Lori Stafford, Tess Wolthuis, Christy Strong and Lynae Scotting; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosalie Dehn, brother Richard Ourada and nephew Ken Dehn.
