Age 30, passed away on April 28, 2023. He was a beloved family member and loyal friend. Steven loved to travel the world, meet new people and live life to its fullest. He and his friends camped, fished and traveled. Steven’s presence would brighten the room. Steven had a kind smile, hardy laugh and engaging personality. With a passion for mathematics and science, Steven graduated with a Chemistry major from the U of M-TC and participated in advanced research projects to benefit the environment and make the world a safer place. He was happy in his current position as a Senior Chemist at a large prestigious corporation. He loved working with his current team and felt he found his professional ‘home’. To meet his personal goals, Steven was pursuing an Engineering Masters Degree at UST in the evenings. He was intrigued with his course of study. Steven began writing at an early age and won the St. Paul Pioneer “Once upon a Story” Contest, chosen over hundreds of submissions for four years in a row. Steven’s first place titles published works included: “Human Pets” (2001), 2nd grade, “The Bed Spider” (3rd), “My Life as a Dust Bunny” (4th), and honorary “The Ancient Gumball (5th). Steven also wrote a piece as a 3rd grader, age 9, on “The Bus Ride Home” on 9/11, which was chosen for placement in St. Thomas Academy’s archival history room. Steven had a bright mind, was a beloved son and family member. He will be missed. Steven was preceded in death by his brother, Alex Thornburg Sherbanenko and cousin, Joseph Sherbanenko. Steven is survived by his parents, Angela Lynn Thornburg and Victor Sherbanenko; brother, Sterling Britten (Meagan Leigh Thornburg) Thornburg; nephew, Sterling Zak Thornburg; niece, Holly Mae Thornburg; grandmother, Lynn Beechler; aunts, Julie Wrase (Eric Netteberg), and Mary Singer; uncle, Alex Sherbanenko (Kathy); and cousins, William Sherbanenko, Max and Sofie Netteberg. A funeral service will be held Monday, May 8th at 5:00 pm at the Willwerscheid Funeral Home West Heights Chapel. 235 Wentworth Ave. W., West St. Paul. A visitation will be held one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food shelf.<div></div><br>