Oliver Milton STEFFA

STEFFA, MYERS, ZEILINGER, HUSS, BIRNBAUMER, FARMER, KAUFMAN, SHOEMAKER, DEJAYNES, MCCALLUM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/25/2010 at 12:07:59

August 4, 1914 -- July 12, 2008

Oliver Milton Steffa, 93, of Pittsfield, Illinois died Saturday, July 12, 2008, at Eastside Care Center in Pittsfield. He was born Aug. 4, 1914 in Humboldt, Iowa the son of the late John Milton and Lizzie Myers Steffa. He married Dorothy McCallum Zeilinger Aug. 31, 1945 in Sommerville, Mass. She preceded him in death in 2006, also preceding him in death were four sisters, Hazel Birnbaumer, Mary Huss, Edith Farmer, Geneva Kaufman, and a brother, Clarence Steffa. Mr. Steffa was a 1933 graduate of Renwick [Iowa] High School. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps 1934-35. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1936 and served until 1956 retiring as a Chief Petty Officer and chief Boilerman. He served aboard the USS Tuscaloosa, Baltimore, Columbus, Rochester, Albany, Dortch. In 1944 while aboard the USS Baltimore in Juneau, Alaska, he was honored to be able to fish with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After fishing the President gave his fishing pole to Mr. Steffa. After retiring from the Navy in 1956 he was employed by Corn Belt Power Company in Humboldt, Iowa, and then in 1966 with Western Illinois Power Coop as assistant plant superintendent. He retired in 1980 as plant superintendent. His memberships included Pittsfield American Legion, Retired Enlisted Assoc. Fleet Reserve Assoc. a Plank owner at the Navy Memorial, Founders Registry Member of FDR Memorial, and Charter Member of the National WWII Memorial all in Washington, DC He enjoyed bowling and gardening.

Surviving is a son, Robert Steffa of Springfield; two daughters Becky Steffa of Hannibal and Roberta (husband Randy) Shoemaker of Griggsville; and one grandson, Tony DeJaynes of Springfield. Funeral services were held at 11 am Tuesday July 15 at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial will be in Pittsfield West Cemetery. The family met with friends from 10 am until the time of the service Tuesday.