Orville James Steffen
HARTINGTON — Orville James Steffen, 80, Hartington, died April 14, 2020, at the Arbor Care Centers, Hartington, following a lengthy illness. Due to the current healthcare guidelines, a private Mass of Christian Burial was held April 17 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial was in the St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington. The service was live-streamed at www.facebook. com/WintzRay/live. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Aaron Steffen, Tristan Steffen, Keaton Steffen, Joachim Steffen, Abram Steffen, Wyatt Tighe, Dawson Dresden. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington. Orville was born Aug. 8, 1939, on a farm south of Hartington, to Thomas Henry and Bernice Clara (Miller) Steffen. He was the oldest of three boys. Orville attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Holy Trinity High School, graduating in 1957. After graduation, he attended CE School of Commerce in Omaha. He then returned to the family farm to work with his dad and brothers. Orville married Patricia Marlene Fischer July 2, 1964, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington.
They were blessed with five children. Orville and Pat lived on the farm until 2004, when they moved into Hartington. Orville was a dedicated farmer. He was engaged in grain farming and was an outstanding dairy farmer, a cattleman and hog operator. He belonged to Swine 84 for many years and was on the Mid American Dairy Board and Farm Credit Nominating Committee. He was also part of the Farmer’s Union Board, was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and was on the Holy Trinity Parish Council. Orville loved dancing, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, visiting with everyone at the many family reunions, and taking his ponies to the Cedar County Fair and various parades.
Orville viewed the county fair as his vacation. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in 4-H, FFA, sporting events and school activities. Orville is survived by his wife, Pat; two daughters, Jean (Todd) Wiebelhaus, Hartington; Juli (Ron) Tighe, Dakota City; sons, John (Paula) Steffen, Hartington; Jim (Sara) Steffen, Hartington; daughter-in-law, Kathie (Matt) Dresden; 22 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Tom (Linda) Steffen, Hartington, and Robert (Mary Lou) Steffen, Hartington; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Bernice Steffen; and son, Jeffrey Lee Steffen, Nov. 17, 2003, at the age of 33. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Steffen family for later designation, in memory of Orville.