Gail Steffen, 87, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Bronson South Haven Medical Center in South Haven, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus, Iowa. Rev. Chris Childs will officiate. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017 at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 6-8 p.m.

Gail Beverly Akeson was born on November 19, 1929 in Sheldon, Iowa, the daughter of James and Aline (Iverson) Akeson. She was raised on a farm near Archer, Iowa and graduated valedictorian from Archer Public Schools in 1947. Following high school, Gail attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa where she earned an elementary teaching certificate. Her first teaching job was in Marcus, Iowa.

While living in Marcus, Gail met Donald Steffen. They were united in marriage on June 27, 1950 in Archer. While Don served his country in the United States Navy, Gail taught at Archer schools until joining Don in Hawaii. Following Don’s discharge in 1956, the couple returned to Marcus to start their family.

Gail worked at Cherokee MHI Children’s Unit, a position she greatly enjoyed for many years. Following her retirement, she focused her volunteer work by using her sewing skills to create quilts, animal beds and knitted items which she donated to those who needed them, never seeking recognition of her generosity.

Gail was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus where she played piano and organ for many years, taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Women. An active part of the community, Gail was a member of the United Federated Women’s Club, Second Thursday Quilters and the Sioux Prairie Quilt Guild. She was also a 50+ year member of the Mercules Bridge Club. Gail taught piano lessons to a host of students, was a Cub Scout Den Mother and a 4-H leader as well as serving on the Marcus Library Board. She was a founding member of the Heartland Care Center Auxiliary. Gail received the Governor’s Award for her many hours spent volunteering in the elementary school and was a recipient of the Rev. Samuelson Award by the Marcus Fair Board for her part in creating and organizing the Art and Crafts Division.

Gail enjoyed playing cards and taught others to play, and enjoy, the game of Bridge. She was a voracious reader and letter writer, enjoyed quilting, knitting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, cooking and card games with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Marcia (Michael) Pavey of Columbus Junction, IA, Dan (Kate) Steffen of Grand Rapids, MI, Jerry (Christiana) Steffen of Fargo, ND and Michelle (special friend, Jeff Schmillen) Steffen of Marcus, IA; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; her sister, Gladys (Claude) Cole of O’Neill, NE; a brother-in-law, Wesley (Nelda) Steffen of Cape Girardeau, MO; sisters-in-law, Darlene Brannon of Marcus, IA and Joyce (Gary) Mathis of Hillsboro, IL; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Donald on May 24, 2015.

Memorials in Gail’s name may be directed to the Marcus Public Library, Gospel Mission of Sioux City or the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center.

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