Geraldine Steffens

Geraldine “Gerry” Steffens, age 90, of Decorah, IA, died on Friday, April 8, 2016, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA.

A Celebration of the Life and Memory of Geraldine will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, April 13) at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah. The Rev. Dave Sorenson and the Rev. Charis Combs-Lay will officiate.

Interment will be in Phelps Cemetery, Decorah. Casket bearers will be Geraldine’s grandchildren Kristin Carpenter, Brian Wagner, Renee Greiner, Randy Wagner, Alex Steffens, Lynnette Koopman, and Trent Zhao.

Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Geraldine Mary Ann “Gerry” (Stortz) Steffens was born on August 21, 1925, the daughter of Walter and Luella (Stoskopf) Stortz near Decorah, Iowa.

Gerry attended country school in Canoe Township and graduated from Decorah High School in 1943. Gerry attended Luther College and did secretarial work in Ohio.  She returned to Decorah and worked for the Winneshiek County Treasurer’s Office.

Gerry was united in marriage to Erbie Steffens on September 3, 1950, at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. To this union, four children were born: Larry, Robin, Cheryl and Mark.

Gerry became a stay-at-home mother when the children were born and helped on the family dairy farm.

She enjoyed baking, making special cinnamon rolls for Sunday mornings as well as always having cookies on hand. Gerry was a busy lady, sewing and taking care of her chickens, feeding calves and taking care of her flower and rose gardens. She loved all animals.

Gerry and Erbie enjoyed traveling taking bus trips, traveling to Europe, and attending National Holstein Conventions throughout the United States. 

Gerry taught Sunday School and was also a 4-H leader. Gerry was a member of Decorah Lutheran Church and the Ladies Circle and enjoyed buttering lefse for the Nordic Fest.

She entered the Aase Haugen Home in March 2014.

Geraldine is survived by her husband: Erbie Steffens, Decorah, IA.  Four children: Larry (Karen) Steffens, Cedar Falls, IA; Robin Hansen, Decorah, IA; Cheryl (Don) Wagner, Farmersburg, IA; and Mark Steffens, Decorah, IA. Seven grandchildren: Kristin (Kelly) Carpenter, Renee (Nate) Greiner, Alex Steffens, Trent (Teng) Zhao, Brian Wagner, Randy (Samantha) Wagner and Lynnette (Ryan) Koopman. Four great grandchildren: Beau and Dane Greiner, Ben Carpenter and Thomas Zhao. Sisters-in-law: Hazel Stortz, Decorah, IA, and Anita Parsons, West Union, IA. Brothers-in-law: Lester Steffens, West Union, IA, and Reuben (Mary) Steffens, Clermont, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Luella (Stoskopf) Stortz.  Brothers: Robert Stortz and Erlin (Agnes) Stortz.  Sisters-in-law: Leona Steffens and Edna Steffens.  Brother-in-law: Jack Parsons.        15u15