Clifford Clyde STEFFENS

STEFFENS, DEWALD, FLETCHER, HALL, CRAFTON, BAILEY, LINDSAY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/30/2008 at 11:09:33

LAST RITES FOR C.C. STEFFENS WERE SATURDAY

Clifford Clyde Steffens, son of William and Melissa DeWald Steffens, was born near Polo, IL, May 2, 1885 and passed away at his home in Rowan on Saturday afternoon, September 9, 1961 at the age of 76 years, 4 months and 7 days after a series of strokes. In the spring of 1893 at the age of eight years he moved with his parents from Illinois to what is now known as the Howard Hansen farm east of Rowan where he grew to manhood. He attended the country schools, then assisted his father in farming until he was united in marriage to Lenora May Fletcher on December 16, 1908.

Three children were born to this union, a son Harry who died suddenly at the age of 15 years, one daughter, Lois, (Mrs. Harry Hall) of Belmond and a younger son, Rex of Rowan. For many years he was engaged in farming, then drove a school bus and later was employed as a butcher and meat cutter in the meat and grocery store of the late J.W. Azeltine. He then took up interior and exterior painting until his illness began.

He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. After their family was grown, he and his wife raised two grandsons, Donald and Verle Crafton who with their families have helped their own children to cheer their older years.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lenora, who lovingly and tenderly cared for him through four years of failing health, his daughter Lois, his son Rex, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, one brother Harold Steffens of Des Moines, two younger sisters, Mary (Mrs. Earl Bailey), Dorothy (Mrs. Clarence Lindsay) both of Rowan, a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.

Services were held Monday afternoon at 2 P.M. at the Eyler Funeral Chapel in Clarion with the Rev. R. H. Jackson of the Rowan Methodist Church in charge of services. Two solos "Just A Closer Walk With Me" and "I'll Never Cross Jordon Alone" were sung by Rev. Jack Rampelberg of the Rowan Congregational church accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Larry Aldrich. Interment was made in the Graceland Cemetery at Rowan. Casket bearers were Maynard Azeltine, Donald Mathiason, Dean Fritz, Jim Keleher, Floyd Whitten and Frank Peddle