Velma Steffen

VELMA F. STEFFEN

Oelwein

Velma F. Steffen, 99, of Johnston, Iowa, and formerly of Oelwein, died on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at the Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Oelwein.

Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein, and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.

Memorials may be given in her name to Christ United Presbyterian Church in Oelwein, the Oelwein Coliseum or the Oelwein Public Library.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Velma Fern Duckett was born on a farm near Aurora to Mabel (Hall) and Arthur Duckett on Sept. 11, 1917. She married LaVern Steffen on July 19, 1938. From this union two children were born, David and Ann. They partnered to build and run the successful Dove and Steffen Grain Elevator. She was an avid bridge player, active in her church and an active volunteer in Oelwein. Most importantly, she lived as a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

Velma is survived by her son, David (Kathy) Steffen, formerly of Ankeny and now of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; daughter, Ann (Owen) Twedt of Johnston; three grandchildren, Kedra (Clay) Schattinger, Josh (Carmen) Twedt and Adam (Katie) Twedt; and six great-grandchildren, Steffen, Barrett and Cade Schattinger, Stella Twedt and Austin and Parker Twedt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 40 years, LaVern, in 1978; granddaughter, Sarah Ann Twedt; three sisters, Gertrude Stewart and twins, Ruth Ehler and Ruby Slater; and one brother, March Duckett.