Evelyn A. Steenberg (nee Chanco) was born June 22, 1935 in the Philippines and passed in her sleep from this life on July 5, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
Evelyn lived her life proclaiming, “This Is My Father’s World” – that there is indeed a Creator that “shines in all that’s fair” – serving as a missionary wife in Japan for 35 years alongside her late husband and love of her life, the Rev. Thomas A. Steenberg.
Tom and Evie met and were married in Minnesota, served parishes and found lifetime friends in North Dakota, and moved to Japan in 1966. As a missionary wife, Evelyn learned a new language, played the organ for church, did Sunday school, the Women’s Group, cooking classes, coffee hours, meals, and gave her heart to the Japanese people as she shared in Tom’s ministry. Evelyn always said that she wasn’t the missionary, just the “missionary’s wife,” but it was evident to all that they were partners in ministry together. Evelyn was a strong, pioneer woman who raised her family straddling two cultures and yet was always anchored. Her children are her greatest legacy.
Evelyn was a dynamic educator. She taught English as a Second Language to Japanese executives, and Biology, Science, and Typing to High School students at Nagoya International School. She was also a self-taught pianist and musician (there wasn’t a hymn Evelyn didn’t know).
After retiring from the mission field and returning stateside in 2001, Tom and Evie spent time in Illinois and California and then settled in Missoula, MT to be near their oldest sons. When the Lord called Tom home in October 2018, Evelyn was dealt a grievous wound – the pain a testament to the special love and “oneness” shared between them, a pain that never completely went away. The Covid shutdown, the effects of polio, and a stint with cancer slowed Evelyn down in her later years, but a big challenge was her declining memory and being unable to keep in touch with friends the way she would have liked, indeed to sing, “This is my Father’s world: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!”
Evelyn lived independently until May 2026, when she moved to St. Louis to live with her daughter, Debbie. She was big and brave and was able to laugh through the many adjustments. Her final weekend was full of joy with a family movie night with “the girls” and the America 250 celebration. Evelyn’s passing was sudden and unexpected. We cling to the promise that God will make all things new.
Evelyn is survived by her children: Thomas (Mary), James (Kate), Debra Hazlewood, Mark (Laurie), Beth (Pat Cook); her grandchildren: Jason (Anna), Christopher (Tai), Barret (Aimee), Nolan (Natalie), Westley, Acacia, Angela Hazlewood (fiancé Logan Stoops), Christine Humbles (Dayton); her great-grandchildren: Madison Lowell, Aryana, Lila, Roman, Evan; and her great-great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Eleanor, and Taylor Lowell; her siblings: Dr. Amado (Ruby) Chanco, Rachel Edralin, Douglas Chanco, Ruth Sanchez, Grace (Jim) Wiggen, Jeanne (Lambert) Pabellon, Clifford (Ellen) Chanco, James (Emma) Chanco; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Thomas A. Steenberg; her parents, Rev. Amado & Mercedes Chanco; her brother, David; her brothers-in-law, Ramon Sanchez and Rudy Edralin; and her son-in-law, Mark Hazlewood.
The family wants to publicly thank Tom and Jim for their years of tender care given to Mom.
Upon Evelyn’s request, the Homegoing Service will be a private family gathering. Memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 S. Ave. West, Missoula, MT 59801.
Auntie Evelyn, Thank you for your legacy. I remember my dad (Clifford) telling me stories about you and Uncle; about your ministry. He was so proud of you and all you had accomplished. He also shared stories of you growing up. I am proud to be related to such a godly woman. I am sure you are living it up with Uncle and brother and parents…until we meet again! Love your niece, Chris
What a wonderful life what a wonderful example I’m sure God welcomed her home saying well done, good and faithful servant
Dear Jim and Family,
We are saddened to read of Evie’s passing. I just received her lovely New Address card yesterday. Dick and I always enjoyed visiting with her at Immanuel Sunday worship. Her twinkling eyes and beautiful smile will be sorely missed by all. May our Lord comfort and bring you peace now and always. RIP dear Evie.
Love, Nancy and Dick Solum
Our Evelyn, in the presence of her incredible Savior and Magnificent Holy, Almighty Father, in heaven. Wow, pure joy. Peace… No more evil to contend with. It does not get any better than this/that. Remember our promise, you check out our “mansions” and make sure lots of trees and flowers!! In Jesus’ Name, ❤️
What a wonderful woman, witness, and a servant of Christ well spent. All who knew her give thanks to God for the gift she was. She will be missed and remembered as a devoted partner in the Gospel with her husband, Tom!
Greg and Carrol Karlsgodt
I will miss my sister Evelyn. Although sad, I too rejoice that she is dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. Till we meet again Evelyn.
Cliff
What an amazing life lived by such an amazing woman. Raised in the Philippines, became an adult in the United States, and then lived the majority of her adult life ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ in Japan, makes her one of one. I had the privilege of spending time with the Steenberg’s in Japan on two occasions. Evelyn‘s zest for life, her love for people, her constant laugh, and her love for Jesus, has left a beautiful impression on my life. God bless her memory, and the fruit of her life found in the lives of hundreds of people all around the world. You will be missed Evelyn.
My older sister Evie is gone but not forgotten. She and Tom help me get started when i first came to the US; starting in St. paul and the North Dakota. We had a wonderful reunion. But we’ll see each other again later. She is now happily reunited with Tom. See you later Evie!!!. Love you.
We are connected to Evelyn through the Chanco family. We are fortunate enough to have met her on an few occasions. We admired Evelyn for her dedication to our Lord and many years of service as a missionary. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Blessings,
Kathrina and Paul Chin
Sincere sympathies to all the family, particularly Jim who was so attentive to Evie. It was shocking and saddening this am to hear of her passing! I’m so sorry and my heart goes out to her family and friends!
As Immanuel’s administrative assistant and PT organist I had opportunity to know many of Immanuel’s lovely people, and Tom and Evie were two of those. We had enjoyable chats, always centered on Jesus, and many times on their ministry together. They were very obviously a team, ministering together even after coming back to the US. It was so hard on Evie losing Tom, the one she loved so dearly.
It was a pleasure chatting with Evie at worship or on the phone. I loved her beautiful smile, she always looked so lovely, we talked about music, and the gospel, she loved the old hymns. And she clearly loved Who the wonderful lyrics of those hymns described and portrayed.
She loved her family and I was blessed to receive her Christmas letter and family picture even after we moved from Missoula to WA.
I loved how Evie’s interests were not so much about her daily life, but about her total faith in Jesus, her hope for reuniting with Tom someday, and her love of Jesus and His truth as shown in the Bible.
I’m so blessed to have known Pastor Tom and Evie, they enriched my life, I look forward to seeing them when Jesus comes again as is so beautifully described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. May God give each of the Steenberg family His peace and comfort during this difficult time. May you feel His loving arms of comfort surround you now and through the years without your beloved mother, and father.
Evie’s was a beautiful life of ministry, love for people, love for family, love for music, and love for God. I’m blessed to have known her!
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Evelyn but have been friends with her daughter, Deb for close to 50 years. I can see Deb’s mother shining brightly through her by the faith, kindness, wisdom and love of music that Deb has always shown to me. My deepest condolences go out to the entire family. You have suffered 2 great losses in such a short time, and my heart breaks for you. I can only thank Jesus for His sacrifice and the knowledge that we will all be together again someday, singing together, for indeed it will be our Father’s world. Godspeed!
May God strengthen your hearts in this moment of sorrow, granting you comfort and filling your heart with His peace.
Love in Christ,
Ruth Sanchez, her family, and Christian Mission in the Far East-USA