Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, Monday, April 22, 2024. Loving husband of Kathleen (Dostal) Steffen, beloved father of Tom Steffen, Laura (Gene) Bentrup, Mark (Anna) Steffen, Katie (John) Van Cleave, cherished grandfather of Max, Molly, Maddie Bentrup; Abby, Noah, Lily Steffen; Jack, Amelia, Caroline, Peter Van Cleave and friend to many.
“Never better”. Don’s upbeat and sincere reply always brought a smile and uplifted all who were in his presence. Growing up in south St. Louis, Don graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School and was a member of the team’s 1964 state title winning basketball team. His life changed forever at this time when he met the love of his life Kathy, with whom he would spend over 60 years.
After serving in the Army, Don found his career or second home at Stouffers Riverfront Hotel working primarily in Sales. Over the years he would leave in the morning with a smile on his face and announce his return in the evening with a cheerful whistle. Yes, he really would. While his career path had several other stops including the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Don always enjoyed working with fun people in the tourism and hospitality industry and brought joy to countless co-workers and friends.
Don enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time at home with his family, cooking gourmet meals, watching Cardinals baseball, and attending his kids and grandchildren’s games and events.
A faith filled man, Don was a regular fixture at daily Mass, and continued watching online as his health declined. His faith and love of family and friends would provide strength to battle through a myriad of health challenges over the years beginning with heart issues and surgery at 39 and culminating with Parkinson’s. For 21 years he fought a daily battle with the disease as it took a little more away from him each day. His joy was never diminished and even up to the end he lived a life filled with great gratitude and appreciation for all the gifts God provided to him. He would comment as to the joy he received each day waking up to see Kathy’s smiling face and hearing her loving voice. At the end, Don peacefully returned to the Lord surrounded by his wife and children at home just as he wanted. A life well lived filled with service, sacrifice, faith, joy and love.
Services: Funeral Mass at Assumption Catholic Church (4725 Mattis Rd. 63128) on Thursday May 2 at 10 a.m. Inurnment at Assumption Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Box Back Parkinson’s dba Rock Steady Boxing, 908 Claymark Dr., St. Louis, MO 63131 or Society of St. Vincent DePaul of Assumption appreciated.
Sincere condolences to the Steffen family. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of making memories with this amazing family! Don will be missed but never forgotten! Rest in peace! dear friend!
Dear Kathy, I’m deeply sorry for the loss and sorrow you and your family are experiencing. Yet I celebrate the faith and love you and Don shared. Your beautiful family stands as a testament to what that love brought into the world. What a rare man God gave to you. May you all be blessed as you face the coming days. Godspeed, Don.
My pal Donny, miss him. Prayers Kathy and family.
Mark and I are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was always smiling at Rock Steady Boxing. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to you Kathy and family. I’ve known you and Don for as long as I can remember even serving as your ring bearer at your wedding. The Brencick family wishes you comfort in your grief and prayers for Don. He was a really great man. Love you all. Paul Brencick and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathy, Tom, Laura, Mark and Katie. Don was always so kind and loving when I had the privilege of being with him and all of you as a dear friend of Jan! Remembering him fondly! May God give you Peace and Blessings in the days ahead as you remember and celebrate his wonderful life.
I can’t say that I’ve ever known a better human being than Don. The day I started work in 1985 with Don was the day that my love for him began. Even when he was being humorously wicked, it was done with kindness. How does one do that? I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Kathy and all the family. He was lucky to have such a loving family to care for him in his final days.
What a great man Don was…truly an inspiration. He was always smiling and had an easy way about him making everyone feel comfortable. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. Truly, I was blessed to know Don. I am sure I’ll see him in Heaven. Job well done Don!