Steven Weagel

Steven Ross Weagel, 78, of Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025. An artist, teacher, mentor, and craftsman, Steven was a pioneering figure in the American studio glass movement and a lifelong advocate for creativity, education, and community.

Born in Watertown, SD, to Keith and Frances Weagel, Steven was raised in Lake Crystal, MN, and graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1964. At Mankato State University, he began studying physics but soon discovered his true passion in the arts, switching his major after taking his first college-level art classes.

In the 1970s, Steven became a fixture at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, giving live glassblowing demonstrations alongside Bob Doring of Chimaera Glass. At the time, he was one of only a few glass artists in the country and was known for his skill, innovation, and generosity in sharing his knowledge.

After stepping away from glass in 1988 to achieve sobriety, Steven proudly maintained 37 years of recovery and mentored others through AA. He later opened a welding shop, where he explored steel sculpture and mixed-media work. His business, The Weagelworks Fine Sculpture and Blown Glass, featured everything from reed diffusers and vases to large-scale installations.

Steven was deeply committed to his community. He co-founded the Pequot Lakes High School trap shooting team, coached for Pine River-Backus and Central Lakes College, and taught hunter safety classes for over a decade. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time in nature.

In his later years, Steven returned to glassblowing, rejoining the Renaissance Festival for a time and participated in up to eight art shows annually. He remained active in his studio and inspired many with his passion and creativity.

“I live the dream every day,” he often said.

Steven is survived by his loving partner, Kim Olesen of Pequot Lakes; daughters Mara (Tony) Powers of Brainerd and Alicia Weagel (Mark Marturano) of Minneapolis; grandchildren Hannah and Griffin Dahlberg, and Rowan Marturano; sisters Sandra (John) Burbank of Mosier, OR, and Shari (Daniel) Hagen of Willmar, MN; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Susan, brother Stanley, and niece Jennifer (Burbank) Roch.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. at The Journey Church, 5459 Co Hwy 18, Nisswa, MN.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.