Steffenson, Melvin Carlton --- 1920-2001

GROVE, JOHNSON, STEFFENSON, MONROE, MARTINSON, STONE

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 4/2/2013 at 19:12:17

Melvin C. Steffenson

Melvin C. Steffenson, 81, of Waukon, died Sat. July 21, 2001, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., July 26, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, with the Rev. Lynn G. Groe officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Melvin Carlton Steffenson was born May 27, 1920, on the rural Waukon farm of his parents, Selmer and Kathryn (Grove Johnson) Steffenson. He was baptized at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. His family lived on various area farms, so he attended several rural elementary schools, then graduated from Waukon High School in 1938. After attending a short course on agriculture in Ames, Mel started farming for his parents and several neighbors.

On Nov. 18, 1942, Melvin married LaVon Monroe at the rectory of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Waukon. Together the couple farmed east of Waukon, raising hogs and beef and operating a dairy for 53 years before moving to Waukon in 1998. Melvin loved farming and was known for the care he gave his livestock and conservation practices on the land. In 1952, Melvin received the Farm Family of Allamakee County Award.

Mel was an active member and former office holder at St. John's Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Allamakee County Farm Service Board, secretary of the Allamakee County Farm Bureau for many years, and a member of the Allamakee County Fair Board for 27 years. He was also a long-time 4-H leader. He enjoyed being outdoors and liked to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed playing cards, taking care of his Minneapolis/Moline tractors, and was an avid reader. Mel was active in and supportive of community events and was always a helpful and caring neighbor.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Lyle, and 2 sisters, Marlys Martinson and Alice Stone.

Survivors include his wife, LaVon, and a daughter-in-law, Anne Steffenson, both of Waukon; a brother, Walter (Elva) Steffenson of Rochester, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Honorary casket bearers are Jack Marsden, Bob Kubitz, Peter Bieber, John Dougherty, Robert J. Stock, Karl Bechtel, Walter Johnson, Jim Pfiffner, and members of the Northeast Iowa MS Support Group. Casket bearers are Darrell and Wayne Stone, Greg Steffenson, Donus Dee, Keith Grady, Lyle Stock, and Glen and Mike Monroe.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, from Dorothy Schave's obituary collection.