Steven Light

Steven M. Light, 42, Fargo, ND, who passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012, was greatly known throughout North Dakota. A VISITATION service will be held Feb. 13, at Hanson and Runsvold from 5-7 pm with prayer service starting at 7pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 14, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran, North Fargo. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND. There will be a fund set up for donations with details forthcoming. Steven was the youngest of four siblings, born January 21, 1970 in Fargo, ND to Merle R. and Harriet (Kofstad) Light. He attended grade school at Longfellow, middle school at Oak Grove Lutheran, until he graduated high school from North High. During that time he experienced a very difficult time of losing his father at the age of 14, which he never got over. He earned a law degree from UND in 1996 and became a member of the North Dakota State bar in 1997. What a name for himself he would end up making. He was quoted by many to be one of the "greatest trial attorney's they've ever seen." Which he would want to give some of that credit to the man he thought was the most incredible trial attorney, the deceased Alan J. Larivee, who he said had a "photographic memory." Steven started working with Alan in Grand Forks, ND and became partners making his stake in the criminal law practice as Larivee & Light, attorneys at law. He then started an additional firm in Fargo, ND so he could move closer to his mother, whom he loved dearly, and to spread his talent. Steven's legacy to those who knew him from his profession knew that he devoted his life to helping his clients, taking the weight off their backs and putting it upon his own shoulders. He had a presence in the courtroom that could make anyone intimidated. He was very proud of the cases he handled and the outcome of many. Whether he was in the courtroom or in the public with his family, he was sure to make a presence, but only few people know that his legacy with his career will not compare to the legacy he left behind with his family. Steven met his wife, Sherri (Kawlewski), of New York Mills, MN in 2007. They went on their first date April 10th, 2008, which would turn both of their lives around completely. They fell in love instantly and he moved her to Fargo that summer, along with her 2 daughters, Courtney and Channing, and took them in under his wing as if they were his own to start their new life together. They were married and added to their family with the birth of their daughter, Carrington, in December of 2009, who he called "Pumpkin Pie", which became a major life changing experience for him. The man, who put all his heart and soul into his practice, now dedicated his life to his family and learning nursery rhymes. His favorite song to sing to his daughter was, "If you're name is Pumpkin Pie and you're the apple of my eye, say "I love you" and she would say it. He wanted to give them the world, and he did. From that moment on EVERYTHING he did, he did for his wife and children, they truly were his world and he was theirs. He would often write or say to his wife, "you are truly a gem and I thank God every day that he brought you into my life". The Daughters would often make fun of Steven and Sherri for being so into each other that they never cared to do anything with others outside the home or family, "it was always just those two together" (with a smile). In 2011 his wife surprised him with the news that he would be a father again with their first son. He was so overjoyed that he immediately started thinking of names and decided that "Christian Michael" after Steven's middle name and Sherri's father, would be their new pride and joy come the Spring of 2012. Steven enjoyed surprising his family with gifts, playing with his daughter, taking his family on trips, being around the lakes, reading and relaxing around the fire at night. He will be sadly, sadly missed by his wife, children, mother, sister, brothers, family and friends, as well as, the legal system. Steven leaves behind his wife, Sherri Kristine Kawlewski- Light, daughter, Carrington Kristine Kawlewski-Light, step-daughters, Courtney Kristine Kawlewski and Channing Kristine Kawlewski, mother, Harriett (Kofstad) Light, sister, Karen (Light) Edmonds and husband John of Rochester, MN, brothers, Robert Light of Fargo, ND and Paul Light and wife Tanya of Fargo, ND and several nieces and nephews. Steven is preceded in eternal rest by his father, Merle Robert Light.