Steven J. Phelps

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/lqnyxzQv_7E 

Steve Phelps, age 82 of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his Grand Forks home early on Sunday, September 14th.

Steven Jerome Phelps was born on September 26th, 1942, in Grand Forks, ND. He was the youngest of nine children born to George Edward Phelps, Sr, and Cora Elizabeth (McIntyre) Phelps. He was raised in Grand Forks and graduated from St. James High School in 1961.

After graduating, he soon enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. It was in the Air Force that he learned the skill that would become his lifelong career as a dental technician. He operated Phelps Dental Lab working “at the bench” making dentures for over fifty years.

In 1964 he married MaryAnn Ramberg (Weberg) and together they raised three children. They were also a foster family, caring for over 50 children throughout the years.

Steve married Sharon Byzewski in 2007 in St. Mary’s Church in Grand Forks and spent the rest of his life by her side. In the early years you could find them country dancing but most of all, they enjoyed being around family in their home in Grand Forks. It was Sharon’s kind spirit and compassionate care that allowed Steve to remain at home through the end of his long Alzheimer’s journey.

During his time in the service, he met who would become his closest friend, George (Skip) Arnold. What began as camaraderie with a fellow airman, became a life-long friendship of over sixty years. More than a friend, Skip served as his hunting partner, fishing buddy, close confidant, and brother in God.

Steve was an avid card player. From family poker parties to cribbage in the lab, a deck of cards was never far. Everyone knew he always had time for a game and the opportunity to win a few cents from you. He was an excellent bridge player, and an active member of the Grand Forks Duplicate Bridge Club. He achieved the ranking of Silver Life Master, of which he was very proud.

Most of all, Steve was proud of his over 30 years of sobriety, his devout catholic faith, and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Byzewski of Grand Forks; two daughters, Robynn (Chris) Ogawa of Grand Forks, ND and Sherry (Jerry) Tupa of Champlin, MN; two stepsons, Mike Byzewski (Rob) of Oarland Park, IL and Tad Byzewski of Grafton, ND; five grandchildren, Danika Ogawa, Emily Tupa, Alex Tupa, Mollie Byzewski, and Karlie Byzewski; two brothers, Frank Phelps of Grand Forks, ND and Monty Phelps of Zebulon, NC, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents, George and Cora Phelps, his son Daniel Phelps, his stepson Jay Byzewski; two brothers, George Phelps Jr and Ron Phelps; four sisters, Meridy Erlenborn, Theresa Brown, Marty Lynch, and Karen Phelps.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Amundson Funeral and Cremation Service, Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place at Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks.