Steven Bruce Toombs, 59, a lifelong resident of Rosemount, died suddenly at home March 8, 2008.

Steve was born July 16, 1948, at Fort Warren in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Robert G. and Betty (Rock) Toombs. He attended St. Joseph's Parochial School in Rosemount, St. John's Prep School in Collegeville, and graduated from Rosemount High School in 1966. After high school, he worked at Northwest Airlines as a baggage handler.

Steve married Sandra M. Spillman Sept. 20, 1975, at the First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. They took a 30-day European honeymoon. They settled in West St. Paul and moved to Rosemount in 1977. Steve was the third generation of Toombs associated with the First State Bank of Rosemount, where he was a loan officer. He was also a partner with Toombs Insurance Agency.

They became parents of two children, Adam in 1983 and Laura in 1989, through adventures in adoption. He was proud of his daughter's Peruvian heritage.

In 2005, they became grandparents of Autumn Rose, the apple of grandpa's eye.

Earlier in life, Steve enjoyed karate and taught snowmobile safety. He enjoyed following his son's Navy career, traveling (particularly the North Shore), collector cars, World War II history, bagpipe music, Lipton Iced Tea, a good joke, and a good sauerkraut pizza. He was active in supporting his community, and enjoyed family genealogy and the community history.

Steve's joyful, strong will gave him strength in the challenges he faced.

He was preceded in death by father, Robert, in 1999; and brothers-in-law, Jim Strese and Mike Schmidt; and nephew, Michael Schmidt.

He is survived by wife of over 32 years, Sandy Spillman; son, Adam (Becca) Toombs of Silverdale, Wash.; daughter, Laura Toombs of Rosemount; one granddaughter; mother, Betty Toombs of Rosemount; sisters, Judy (John) Wiederhold and Sue Strese, both of Rosemount, and Abbie Schmidt of Spooner, Wis.; brother-in-law, Don (Cathy) Spillman of Orange Park, Fla.; also by an uncle and aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation was March 11 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley. Visitation and services were March 12 at the church with the Revs. Paul Harrington and Randy Brandt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor's choice. Arrangements were made by Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. Online condolences may be directed to www.lundbergfuneral.com.

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