Francis George Steffen
Francis George Steffen passed away on February 1, 2023 at age 95 and into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. “Steff” was the beloved husband of the late Jean Steffen (née Matthews), and dear father of Bob Steffen (Laura); the late George Steffen (Paula Pavel); Barb Carmedelle (Paul), and Ann Steffen (George Gerules). He was a loving and supportive grandfather to Dan Steffen (Adrienne Barbero), Eric Steffen (Monica), Chris Steffen, Andrew Carmedelle, Cara Fitzgerald (Connor), Teresa Conner (Dylan) and Julia Carmedelle, and great-grandfather to Margaret & Abigail Conner and Faye & Leland Steffen. He was the only child of George W. Steffen from St. Louis and Edna E. Steffen of Morrison, Missouri.
After graduating from Cleveland High School, Steff enlisted into the US Coast Guard and was stationed on a lighthouse in the Florida Keys (1945). He transferred to the Central Intelligence Corps of the US Army and was stationed in Germany (1952-53). When he returned home, he continued for several more years in the US Navy Reserves. Raised by working class parents, Steff’s entire career was in steel sales for Missouri Rolling Mill where he retired as vice president.
During retirement, Steff’s joy of gardening was on full display as his yard expanded with new vegetables every year. He received Affton’s 2007 “Garden of the Year” award. His love of gardening came from his boyhood summers working on the Steffen family farm in Morrison on the Missouri River. Steff and Jean’s vine-ripened tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables were enthusiastically received at St. Vincent DePaul Parish’s Community Food Program where they volunteered monthly.
Steff was committed to the Catholic faith, his family, and many friends. Along with Jean, he volunteered his time and financial support to numerous charities and religious organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church (parish council member, all-around volunteer), the community of Vincentian priests, and as an Associate of the Ursuline Sisters in Kentucky. An active supporter of Boy Scouts of America, Steff was a committee member for his sons’ troop and drove a station wagon (without air-conditioning) full of teenagers to monthly campouts for 10 years. He was very proud that his sons and two grandsons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Steff had friends and fishing buddies everywhere. Especially cherished was his time spent trout fishing at Lilley’s Landing on Lake Taneycomo. He and Jean enjoyed worldwide travel, along with sharing their love of camping, canoeing, and fishing with family and friends. A funny and consummate storyteller, Steff reveled in hosting meals, pool parties, backyard bbqs, and family trips. At his core, Steff was a generous soul – his love continues from Heaven.
Visitation Monday, February 20, 9:00 a.m. until Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders, 6737 S. Rock Hill Rd. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial gifts: Missouri River Relief (www.Riverrelief.org) or St Vincent DePaul Society-St. Louis (https://svdpstlouis.org).
I treasure the friendship I had with Steff and Jean for so many years. They blessed my family and me with their love. We are with you in celebrating Steff’s life. May you experience comfort and support as you adjust to his new presence with you. My love and prayers are with you always.
I treasure the friendship I had with Steff and Jean for so many years. They blessed my family and me with their love. We are with you in celebrating Steff’s life. May you experience comfort and support as you adjust to his new presence with you. My love and prayers are with you always.
My deepest condolences to Steff’s family. I only met him once briefly but came to know him through his grandson, my son in law, Dan Steffen. He lived a wonderful life. Peace be with you.
My deepest condolences to Steff’s family. I only met him once briefly but came to know him through his grandson, my son in law, Dan Steffen. He lived a wonderful life. Peace be with you.
This is a beautiful tribute to your father, Barb. I know he will live in his loved ones hearts forever. I hope all of those whom loved him here on Earth will recount his memories with love, joy, and laughter.
This is a beautiful tribute to your father, Barb. I know he will live in his loved ones hearts forever. I hope all of those whom loved him here on Earth will recount his memories with love, joy, and laughter.
RIP Uncle Steff. Uncle Steff and Aunt Jean were very important to me as a child. They looked after me and my brother over summers. I remember Steff taking us to Cardinal games, picnics and fishing, and him taking me to Musial and Biggies for lunch. And later gardening and family gatherings. Many memories. And how he looked after my mother when she was ill. I’m sad to have not seen him for so many years.
RIP Uncle Steff. Uncle Steff and Aunt Jean were very important to me as a child. They looked after me and my brother over summers. I remember Steff taking us to Cardinal games, picnics and fishing, and him taking me to Musial and Biggies for lunch. And later gardening and family gatherings. Many memories. And how he looked after my mother when she was ill. I’m sad to have not seen him for so many years.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Francis, thanks to him I have a very detailed chronology of the Steffen family history.
He was a very kind man’ and lived a good long life. Prayers to the family.
David Steffen
Sorry to hear of the passing of Francis, thanks to him I have a very detailed chronology of the Steffen family history.
He was a very kind man’ and lived a good long life. Prayers to the family.
David Steffen