Steven Robert Buckley

Steve Buckley of Finlayson passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Duluth at the age of 73.

Steven Robert Buckley was born January 2, 1952 to George and Marion (Bobzin) Buckley in Rush City, Minnesota. 

Steve graduated from Rush City High School and attended and graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology with a major in tool and die making. He had a great career as a plastic injection and die maker employed at 3M for many years and later at Night Tool & Die in Finlayson. He had a keen interest in mechanical pursuits, engineering projects, and the art of designing. His hobbies reflected his curiosity and skill in working with machines and creating innovative solutions. 

After his retirement he built a machine shop at his home, where he continued to build plastic injection molds and doing general machining. At his passing he was in the middle of inventing, designing, and building a self-closing fishing net. 

Steven was truly blessed for the friends and family he had in his life. He will be greatly missed by family and friends for his incredible wisdom and sense of humor.

Steve is survived by his stepson Michael (Laraba) Nowling; sister-in-law Judy Buckley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Marion Buckley; brothers Richard (Eyvonne) Buckley, Gary Buckley; partner of 30 years Cheryl (Madison) Nowling.

A private graveside service for Steven will be held at a later date. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

FuneralandCremationService.com