Steven L. “Steve” Steffen, 64 of Bluffton, started his next journey on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by his wife and daughter after fighting paralysis for over 20 years.
Steve was born on Dec. 28, 1958 in Bluffton to Norman E. & Rosella (Burkhart) Steffen.
He played on the football team for Norwell High School and graduated with the class of 1977. Steve worked on the Steffen Family Farm and worked for Pete Raber at Hoosier Grain hauling bulk feed to Moorman’s in Bluffton and to Central Soya in Decatur. When Hoosier Grain closed, he went to work for Drayer Family Farms on State Road 124 to milk cows.
Steve worked for the City of Bluffton for 29½ years at the Bluffton Sewage Plant in the maintenance department. While working for the city, he loved putting up the Christmas lights so people could drive thru them at the plant. In 1979, Steve established his own farm, The Steffens Farm. Steve enjoyed planting gardens and sunflowers. He loved doing odd jobs around the farm, teaching others about farming, and spending time with his grandchildren.
On August 29, 1981, Steve and Charlotte Osborn were married at Epworth United Methodist Church in Bluffton.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Charlotte; daughter Angela (Bill) Hoppe of Noblesville; grandchildren Bryce and Madison Hoppe; brothers, Donnie (Brenda) Steffen of Bluffton and Jim (Kathy) Steffen of Ossian along with four nephews; Daniel, Dustin, Brandon and Brett.
The family would like to thank Stillwater Hospice, many special dedicated neighbors and Sheri Worthington for all of their care for Steve and the family. A heartfelt thank you to Brandi Speece, for her love and dedicating to Steve, over the last 10 years.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Barry Crosbie officiating. Burial will take place at Apostolic Church Cemetery.
Calling Hours will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Wells County Animal Shelter in honor of his best friend, his dog Buddy.
Steve’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the Steffen family at www.thomarich.com.