Steffens, Vernon

Vernon Steffens, 86, of Oxford Junction, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa. A service of remembrance will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oxford Junction. Burial will be in Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction. Friends and family may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction.

Vernon was born Nov. 5, 1927, in Clarence, son of August and Alma Steffens. He was a graduate of Oxford Junction High School class of 1945. He married Darleen Burian at St. Mark's on April 24, 1947. They farmed together north of Oxford Junction until retirement when they moved to town in 1989.

He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and had served on the Jones County Beef board and Oxford Junction board of education and was active with 4-H. He enjoyed his ponies, watching and supporting the Cubs and Hawkeyes, and playing cards, especially Pinochle. Most of all Vernon enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darleen; one son, Greg (Janie) Steffens of Fremont, Ohio;, a former daughter-in-law, Cynthia (James) Cox of Palo; four grandchildren, McKenzie (Deniz) Sari of Charlotte, N.C., Jason (Briana) Steffens of Cedar Rapids, Elizabeth (John) Molitor of Augusta, Ga., and Megan Framstad of Lindsey, Ohio; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Dean of Anamosa; a brother, Delbert (Virginia) Steffens of Winfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, August and Alma Steffens; a son, Gary; a brother, Melvin; and a sister-in-law, Jennie Steffens.

Memorials may be given to the Oxford Junction Fire Department and Ambulance Service or St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

Published Dec. 8, 2013 in The Gazette