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STEFFEN, Joseph Richard 1920-2011

STEFFEN

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/29/2012 at 00:16:53

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, December 7, 2011]

DUNKERTON - Joseph Richard "Dick" Steffen was born on Jan. 26, 1920, to Joseph N. and Matilda A. (Meier) Steffen in rural Dunkerton. Mr. Steffen passed away on Dec. 2, 2011, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, after a brief illness at the age of 91.

Richard farmed the family homestead all his life. He was an advocate of all aspects of agriculture, especially labor and marketing issues. Beginning in 1965, he and his brother Alfred proudly established the practice of organic farming on the family farm and continue the promotion of sustainable agriculture. A great deal of his life was dedicated to promoting and support of the Iowa National Farmers Organization, serving as county, district and state president as well as being a member of the national Board of Directors for the NFO. He also served on the board of directors of the Iowa National Catholic Rural Life, representing the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and a member of the Iowa CCI (Citizens for Community Improvement). Peace and justice causes were at the heart of all his efforts. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941-1944 during World War II in the South Pacific. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church – Barclay. He served on several Black Hawk County boards, including the planning and zoning committee. It has been said of Richard that he could fix or build anything out of anything. He especially enjoyed reading, playing cards and solving puzzles.

Richard is survived by his brothers, Norbert (Betty) and Sylvester (Fely), both of New Hampton, Alfred of Dunkerton, the Rev. Arnold SVD of Papua, New Guinea, and Ralph of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; a sister, Sister Justina OSF (Eleanor) of Dubuque; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Steffen of Dunkerton and Betty Steffen of Ames. He also had 35 nieces and nephews and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents; brothers, Vincent and Cletus; one sister, Sister Samuel Steffen OSF; and two sisters-in-law, Ann Steffen and Lillian Steffen, preceded him in death.

Mr. Steffen has donated his body to educational research. His family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial Mass and fellowship on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 7837 E. Airline Highway, Dunkerton.


 

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