Aileen Lou Anne Steinolfson-Luethe

Aileen Lou Anne Steinolfson-Luethe, 68, of Norwalk died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, after a fierce fight with cancer, at Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse.

Aileen was born July 23, 1949, to Sigurdur and Christbjorg (Christianson) Steinolfson, in Grafton, N.D. She graduated high school from West Fargo, N.D., and went on to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Range Science and Geology at North Dakota State University. She started working for the Soil Conservation Service in North Dakota, and this is where the story began. Aileen met her soulmate, who just begun working in the same office, Ron Luethe. They were married a few years later, on April 19, 1980. 

Aileen’s expertise as a soil scientist and then soil conservationist led her to working in the epicenter of the soil health movement, the Bismarck (N.D.) Field Office. She loved working outdoors and helping the farmers and ranchers better their land. It was her passion to help create better environments for rangelands and production agriculture.

Aileen and Ron were avid outdoor enthusiasts. Biking, hiking and kayaking were some of her favorites. They built a sanctuary for themselves on the land where Ron grew up. Creating havens for birds, bees, butterflies and any outdoor creature that wanted to share their paradise was important to Aileen. 

Aileen’s other passion was quilting. She created many beautiful wall hangings, table runners, and quilts. Her specialty was paper piecing, which she was especially good at.

Aileen is survived by her husband, Ronald; brothers, Richard Steinolfson of San Antonio, Texas, and Arlan Steinolfson of Fargo, N.D.; a nephew, Ryan Steinolfson of San Diego, Calif.; wonderful friends in North Dakota; along with local aunts, cousins and many friends. 

Her parents and a sister, Laura Steinolfson, preceded Aileen in death.

A social gathering to celebrate Aileen’s life will be from 4–7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at the Norwalk Community Center in Norwalk. In honoring Aileen’s wishes, her family asks that no cards, memorials, or flowers be sent. Please just come to share or listen to stories of how Aileen gently touched the earth and people around her.

The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Norwalk is assisting the family with arrangements. 

If you are unable to attend her celebration of life, online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Comments are closed.

  • Kenneth R. McDaniel

    March 16th, 2024
    by

    Kenneth R. McDaniel, 88, of Tomah passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. 


    Sandra Ann Collins

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Sandra Ann Collins, 77, an incredibly loving mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on March 13, 2024, peacefully at her home. 


    Alan Burgess Willis

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Alan Burgess Willis, 84, of Westby, Wis., passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024.  Alan was born Sept. 13, 1939, to Alfred “Fred” and Florence (Lamb) Willis in Whitestown, Vernon County, Wis.


    Linda Lou Zimmerman

    March 15th, 2024
    by

    Linda Lou Zimmerman, 66, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Linda was born to George and Edna (Brock) Abbenaus on June 27, 1957, in Billings, Mont.


    Patrick Donald Leis

    March 5th, 2024
    by

    Patrick Donald Leis, 61, of Westby, formerly of Cashton, Wis., died March 4, 2024, at the Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.


  • Kim Ballwahn

    March 5th, 2024
    by

    Kim Ballwahn, 63, of Wilton went home to meet Jesus on March 4, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


    Ardella Marie Leis

    February 26th, 2024
    by

    Ardella Marie Leis, 89, of Cashton, Wis., passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Ardella was born March 17, 1934, to Joseph and Irma (Schmitz) Schreier. 


    Dennis Norman Hemmersbach

    February 26th, 2024
    by

    Dennis Norman Hemmersbach, 64, of rural Norwalk, Wis., passed away with his family by his side, at his beloved farm, on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.  Dennis was born March 4, 1959, to LaVern and Cecilia (Schreier) Hemmersbach.  


    Betty H. Schumacher

    February 18th, 2024
    by

    Betty Helen Schumacher, 85, of rural Ontario, Wis., passed away Feb. 16, 2024, at Tomah Health Hospital. During her hospital stay, she was surrounded by the love of her family. 


    Edith Elain (Walter) Hepp Burkhalter

    February 18th, 2024
    by

    Edith Burkhalter, 93, of La Valle, Wis., died Feb. 15, 2024, peacefully at home after a brief illness. 


    Allen E. Schraufnagel

    February 18th, 2024
    by

    Allen Edward Schraufnagel, 94, passed away peacefully Dec. 2, 2023, at Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro, Wis.


  • Archives