Steven Joseph Horazdovsky

Steven Joseph Horazdovsky, age 73, of Vadnais Heights, died on January 16, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife of 49 years, Leila, his cherished daughters, Amy Bailey and Amanda Padjen and his brother David Horazdovsky. Steve was the first child born to Harold Horazdovsky and Eileen, "Sally", (Strobeck) on October 24, 1950, in St. Paul, MN. His mother, who often used her sons' full names, meticulously noted that Steven was born at Bethesda Hospital at 6:56 PM, weighed 7 lbs. and 10 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. The new parents brought their first son home, wrapped in yellow knit blankets on a bright fall day, with colorful bouquets of flowers from friends filling the backseat of their car. Steve grew up in St. Paul with his four younger brothers: Michael (Pam), David (Carol), Bruce, and James (Annie Paulson). Growing up with his brothers in St. Paul in the 1950s was like living in a small community, where everyone knew each other, and the neighborhood kids played together outside their front doors. With a loving and nurturing mother whose joy was her family, and a supportive and hardworking father, Steve and his brothers grew up as a tight family unit with many fortunate and happy family times. The five brothers were like friends and each other's playmates, riding bikes and playing army and fort, football, and other yard games. They gathered with family often, getting into ping-pong battles with their cousins in the basement, playing "gas station" in the garage, and filling their childhood memories with laughter. Summers were spent swimming and fishing at their cabin at Island Lake, often with family and friends joining. His brothers were very fond of Steve as their older brother. He was always willing to help with homework, especially math. He was patient and kind and an excellent tutor. And he laughed often. As the older brother, Steve was also "cool." He grew memorable sideburns and watched Woodstock on VHS. He would throttle his Kawasaki 500 motorcycle on Highway 96 and leave a thick trail of smoke. Though, the first time Steve rode a motorcycle, while practicing in the yard letting out the clutch and giving the right amount of throttle, the motorcycle took off, and his legs went flailing. With unlikely odds, he proceeded to perfectly run over a one inch newly planted sapling, with the top of the tree springing back up after the assault. There was always laughter and joy in Steve's presence. Steve met Leila in 1973 through mutual friends, and they married on September 7, 1974. Leila sewed her own wedding dress based on a sketch that Sally did of a dress she saw in the store. Sally was beyond thrilled to help especially after raising 5 boys. Leila also made and all the bridesmaids' yellow-flowered dresses (paired with large floppy hats). She tossed a bouquet of yellow roses, and Steve and Leila drove off with cheers and pop-cans tied to the back of their bumper. As Harry and Sally's first "daughter", Leila was a special addition to the Horazdovsky family, and was dearly loved and cherished. Steve thought the world of his wife and treated her kind in every way. And he often credited her as his support system, her devotion and love helping him throughout all his life. Throughout their 49 years of marriage, they were always a team. Steve and Leila had two daughters, Amy in 1979, and Amanda in 1982, who filled their lives with purpose and joy, love and laughter. As a young father, he carried his daughters proudly atop his shoulders. And he often allowed them to "do" his hair, putting barrettes and bows in his dark, shaggy hair when he got home from work (a stark contrast to his greasy hands and work shirt from repairing cars at the station). As their two girls grew up, Steve and Leila created special family traditions of camping, fishing, and spending time together by the water and often with family. He watched with great pride and joy at softball games, track meets and volleyball games his daughters played in, their number one fan. For 32 years, Steve was the third-generation owner of Hamline-Hoyt Service, an auto-repair business his grandfather built in the 1940s, which then was later owned by Steve's father. Growing up, Steve and his brothers (and some of their cousins) worked at the station. Steve was not just a skilled and honest mechanic but a trusted friend to all his customers. He approached each car repair with care and formed lasting bonds along the way, continuing and creating a legacy that emphasized care and customer service. An avid outdoorsman, Steve reveled in the serenity of fishing and hunting, often sharing these experiences with friends who valued his companionship. His love for the water led him to enjoy peaceful moments on his fishing boat. He loved the calm of the water and watching the sunrise from the deer stand. He enjoyed his morning coffee and was a great cook. With friends he enjoyed an occasional beer or glass of Jack Daniel's and playing cards. Among his many friendships, customers at the station, and church community, Steve was known as a kindhearted, caring, and generous person, who loved connecting with people, listened intently, and would drop anything to help out. Steve was a compassionate father and grandfather who had great love for his family. After their daughters married their husbands (Amy and Brian Bailey, Amanda and George Padjen), Steve and Leila became grandparents, it turned out they were destined to be surrounded by more lovely little girls, and they held and welcomed with great joy each of their four granddaughters: Grace (16), Logan (13), Paige (10), and Mia (13). He never missed the joy of even the small moments, from holding one close for a hug to the joy of making pancakes together. Steve and Leila's joy for camping and being in the presence of nature became even more special when their daughters and their families joined them. Each of his girls truly had a special place in Steve's heart, especially his beloved granddaughters, whom he guided with a strong sense of faith, ensuring they knew the love of Jesus. Steven is remembered as a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, an uncle, a mentor. And he is very dearly remembered as a husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest accomplishments were his family. And his greatest legacy was his love for God, sharing his deep faith that the fullness of life comes through God's love. May the love, kindness, and faith Steve brought to his family and friends continue to resonate in their hearts. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 24th, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church at 3676 Centerville Rd. in Vadnais Heights, MN. (Streaming of the service will be available on cslcvh.org or on the Church Facebook page). Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery. A visitation will also be held the evening of Tuesday, January 23rd, from 5:00 - 8:00 at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Chapel at 515 Highway 96 W. in Shoreview, MN.

Tributes

Steven Joseph Horazdovsky

October 24, 1950 - January 16, 2024

Tributes

Steven Joseph Horazdovsky

October 24, 1950 - January 16, 2024

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