Steven Banker

Steven A. Banker, age 53, of Isanti died June 19, 2014 at home.
Steven Andrew Banker was born May 29, 1961 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Thomas and Joan Banker. He spent his childhood in various cities in Minnesota. Steve attended Brainerd High School. He grew up enjoying music and soon pursued a career. He stared his music career with a local band “Nite Train” where he performed with his older sister Ruth and brother-in-law Larry (Howard). After a while Steve ventured out on his own and formed a band with some friends and his older brother Chip called “Prairie River.” They played in a lot of local clubs including “The Turf Club” in St. Paul, “Nicks” on Concord St. and local VFW and American Legions. As Steve struggled with his illness he continued his love of music both playing guitar and singing. Steve had an incredible memory of old time country tunes and not many he didn’t know. Although Steve worked most of his adult life, his health forced him to apply for disability. After 5+ years of treatment for emphysema and COPD, Steve collapsed and was admitted to the hospital for a severe lung infection and congestive heart failure. He was stabilized in the Cambridge Hospital then transferred to a nursing home for transitional care. He was then in hospice at home.
Steve married Cheryl (Osburn) on January 18, 2001.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Cheryl and step-daughter, Jordyn Ryman; mother, Joan; sisters, Ruth, Pat and Deborah; brothers, Terry and Thomas; in-laws, Clem Osburn, Carri Scott and Bryan Trappe, Charlie (Bonny) Osburn, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas; sister, Joyce; and all grandparents.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Thursday, June 26th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel with Rev. Clifton Hanson officiating. A time for visiting will be held two hours prior to the service. A reception will follow at the funeral home.