Donald A. Steffen, 86, of Marcus, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Len Garrison will officiate. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29 at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery with military honors conducted by F.I. Goodburn Post #517 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 6-8 p.m. to greet friends.
Donald Albert Steffen was born on January 1, 1929 to Clarence and Meta (Runge) Steffen, the oldest of 7 siblings. He grew up on a farm north of Marcus and attended rural school, graduating from high school while in the Navy.
He married Gail B. Akeson on June 27, 1950 at Archer Methodist Church. Don served on the USS O’Bannon during the Korean conflict, stationed in Hawaii. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Gail made their home in Marcus. He then began a 30 year career with the postal service, also running the local movie theater. Don was involved with farming most of his life.
Don was a member of the R/C Skyhawks, Grace United Methodist Church, and the Marcus Fire and Rescue Department, serving as treasurer for 25 years. He was proud of his ‘59 Ford Skyliner, driving it in many parades and to classic car conventions. Don enjoyed playing cards with his family and drinking coffee with the men at the Junction.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Gail of Marcus; children, Marcia (Michael) Pavey of Columbus Junction, Iowa, Dan (Katie) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jerry (Christiana) of Fargo, ND; and Michelle Steffen (special friend Jeff Schmillen) of Marcus; grandchildren, Eric (Natalie) Pavey, Kendra (Shawn) Walsh, Eli Pavey, Kaleigh (Omar) Serrano, Karley Steffen, Isaiah Steffen; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Wesley (Nelda) Steffen of Cape Girardeau, MO; sisters, Darlene Brannon of Marcus, IA and Joyce (Gary) Mathis of Hillsboro, IL; sister-in-law, Gladys (Claude) Cole of O’Neill, NE; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Delton, Gerald, and Ronald.
Memorials are suggested to the Marcus Fire and Rescue Department or the Iowa Library for the Blind.
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