HARTINGTON — Thomas H. Steffen Jr., 84, Hartington, died peacefully at his residence April 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be April 8, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Will Targy officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington. Pallbearers are Brian Steffen, Brad Steffen, Jason Steffen, Justin Steffen, John Steffen, Jim Steffen, and Aaron Steffen. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation and a vigil service were Tuesday at church, and visitation will continue Wednesday, one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Thomas was born Feb. 25, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Thomas Henry and Berniece Clara (Miller) Steffen. He was the second of three boys.Tom attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Holy Trinity High School, graduating in 1960. After graduation he started farming on the family farm with his dad and brothers. Tom married Linda Lou Forinash Aug. 28, 1962, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington. They were blessed with four daughters.

They lived on the farm and continued farming until 1984, when they moved into Hartington. His career path continued, including Ohio National Insurance, janitor at Cedar Catholic and Coleridge Schools, and owning and operating T&L Cleaning. His most favorite “job” was tootling around Hartington on his John Deere Gator with his beloved companion, Gus.

Anyone who met Tom would shake his hand, share a conversation, and leave as a friend. His handshakes, especially with his grandchildren, always seemed to linger a little longer, as if he never quite wanted to let go resembling his kindness, pride and deep love for his family.

Tom enjoyed dancing, wood working, and storytelling to anyone willing to listen. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom is survived by Linda, his wife of 63 years; four daughters, Brenda (Monty) Hefner, Belden; Lisa Dendinger, Hartington; Amy (Gale) Schutte, Lincoln; and Tammi Tanderup, Hartington; 13 grandchildren: Holly (Mike) Hoeppner, Tyler (Kerrie) Dendinger, Heidi (Chris) Haberer, Mark (Kirsten) Dendinger, Rachel Schutte, Haley Hefner, Nancee (Alex) Wemhoff, Katelynn (Coleman) Broders, Erika (Steven) Bierman, Nathan (Sam) Schutte, Emily (Dustin) Humphrey, Travis (Wendy) McNear and Shelbi (Kris) White; 22 great-grandchildren and four on the way; brother, Bob (Mary Lou) Steffen; and sister-in-law, Patty Steffen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Bernice Steffen; a brother, Orville Steffen; son-in-law, Bill Dendinger; grandson, Trenten Tanderup; great-grandsons, Payne Haberer and Landen McNear; and beloved four-legged friend, Gus.