Date of Birth:
Saturday, February 20, 1937
Date of Death:
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Age:
83 years old

John Hadley Steffenson

John Hadley Steffenson, 83, of Plainview, MN and formerly of Rochester, MN passed away at the hospital on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

John was born February 20, 1937 in Makee Township, Allamakee County, IA to Nennor and Mildred (Aure) Steffenson. He was baptized on April 25, 1937 and confirmed on December 9, 1951 at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon, IA. John attended country school and then graduated from Waukon High School in 1955. Following graduation John served in the US Army from 1956 to 1959 and was stationed in France for a while.

On June 17, 1962, John married Carol Mae Lovstuen at Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper, IA. From this union three children were born – Arlyn, Brian, and Christina. John and Carol were married for 46 years and later divorced.

John worked at the Waukon Lumber Yard and later for a contractor in Waukon until he moved to Rochester, MN in 1965. In Rochester he was a carpenter for several builders before he became self-employed as a remodeler and home builder.

John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling. Together he and Carol enjoyed square dancing and old-time dancing. In retirement he began woodcarving and made many gifts for people. John was a very skilled carpenter and woodworker and built his own home in 1973. He was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church and sang in the choir and volunteered in many capacities within the church. John was passionate about his dreams and goals. Above all he was a loving father.

He is survived by his children, Arlyn (Kimberly) of Madison, WI, Brian of Rochester, MN, and Christina (Michael) Besse of Elgin, MN; four grandsons, Noah and Cole Steffenson, and Marcus and Matthew Besse; two sisters, Judith (Les) Thronson of Rochester, MN, and Clara Ann (Neal) Lovstuen of Decorah, IA; five brothers, William (Joyce) of Waukon, IA, Gordon (Shirley) of Waukon, IA, Glen (Karen) of Elizabeth, IL, David (Gloria) of Owatonna, MN, and Neal (Karin) of Owatonna, MN; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

John was preceded in death by his brother, Earl; parents; nephew, Kyle Steffenson; and niece, Marcy Thronson.

Due to the pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, the funeral service will be private for immediate family members only. The funeral will be live-streamed on Saturday, January 16, 2021 starting at 12:45 p.m. on the Facebook page: Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.