John Steffen

MADISON--John Andrew Steffen, age 90, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Hebron Hall, Oakwood Village West. John was born June 27, 1926 in Elroy, Wisconsin, the son of Ferd and Winnie (Schaeffer) Steffen. He served as an Army Staff Sergeant in World War II where he saw combat in France and played trumpet in a band as part of the Occupation Army in Germany. He received a Bronze Battle Star and the French Legion of Honor medal for his service. John graduated from UW-Madison where he met his wife of 66 years, Jean Schoonover Steffen. After a stint selling farm equipment in Elroy, he became an investment broker and moved to Madison where he retired after 28 years in the business. Over the years, he served on various Boards, including the Juneau County Board of Supervisors, YMCA, Methodist Hospital, MARC, and SCORE. He also earned a Master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin. John was a member of Ionic Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Life Master bridge player, and an accomplished pianist. He volunteered his piano playing twice weekly at UW Hospital into his 90th year. He was a longtime member of Blackhawk Country Club.
John is survived by his wife, Jean, his three daughters, Jane (Peter) Kolakowski of Fredericksburg, VA, Janet (Richard) Whittow of Menomonee Falls, and Barbara (Patrick) Finley of Madison. He is also survived by six grandchildren. Family was his pride and joy.
A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, a celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thur. Dec. 1, 2016 at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 326 S. Segoe Rd. Madison. A visitation will be from 4:00PM until 7:00 PM on Wed. Nov. 30, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison, and also from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church on Thursday.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Oakwood Foundation.
A special thank you to the caregivers and staff at Oakwood and Hebron Hall. Their love, skill, and attention to John made his final weeks pleasant and comfortable.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434