Sister Irma Steffen

Milwaukee, Wis. — Sister Irma Steffen, 92, Milwaukee, Wis., died Nov. 21, 2020, at Seasons Hospice, Oak Creek, Wis.

A private Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Sr. Irma was held at The School Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse Chapel Nov. 25. The archived service may be viewed at video.ibm.com/channel/school-sisters-of-st-francis.

Sr. Irma was laid to rest in the Sisters’ Cemetery, Cambellsport, Wis.

Irma Steffen was born June 18, 1928, to Frank and Mary (Mueller) Steffen on the family farm in Constance. She attended the parochial school in Constance, which was taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. In 1946, Irma and her younger sister, Merina, joined the School Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee. They were received into the Community June 13, 1947. In 195l, having completed her studies at Alverno College, Sister Irma began her first teaching assignment at St. Alphonsus School, Greendale, Wis. She was a “born” teacher. During Sister Irma’s 73 and one half years as a School Sister of St. Francis, she accepted many assignments and challenges with enthusiasm and “gusto” (her word). She was a teacher, religious education coordinator, pastoral minister, retreat director, home care provider, volunteer for whatever, wherever and however. Sister Irma treasured spending time with her family and attended every family gathering if at all possible. In 2013, Sister Irma retired to the sisters’ retirement house, New Cassel, Omaha. In 2015, she moved to Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

Sister Irma is survived by her sister, Denelda “Nellie” Potts, many nieces and nephews and the School Sisters of St. Francis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters: Adelaide, Irene, Clara, Barbara and Merina; and three brothers, Victor, Ralph and Clarence.