Obituary of Clarence John Steines

Clarence "Sonny" J. Steines, 92, of Dubuque and formerly of Dyersville died at 6:30 am Saturday, Sept. 22, 2011, at Dubuque Retirement Community where he lived for the past two years. Friends may call from 2 - 8 pm Monday January 24, 2011, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 4:00 pm and an American Legion Service will be held at 7 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Gross. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Sonny was born on September 15, 1918, in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of John and Matilda (Koppes) Steines. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and proudly served in the European Theater from 1942 - 1945. Sonny worked at the Dubuque Battery Factory for a few years where he met and later married Marie Kathryn Hess on June 5, 1947, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque; she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 1994. They moved to Dyersville in 1955 where they raised their three children. Sonny worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 33 years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Basilica and American Legion Post 137. Sonny enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working around the house. There wasn't anything Sonny couldn't fix with a few bolts and nuts. He will be remembered most for saying what was on his mind, his honesty, his loyalty to his country and religion, being a Chicago Cubs fan and hard work ethics. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are two sons: Duane (Debbie) Steines of Ekron, KY, Dennis (Lois) Steines of Dyersville, and 1 daughter, Diane (Jack) Kuhle of Dubuque; 6 grandchildren: Denise (Clark) Elms, Michael Steines, Jody (Jason) Pfohl, Holly (Dave) Moorman, Justin (Beth) Kuhle and Jenna (Wesley) Felton; 12 great grandchildren: Brady, Connor and Alexandra Elms, Dylan and Logan Steines, Alex and Morgan Pfohl, Austin and Alex Hansel, Cash Moorman, Gunner Kuhle and Kinnick Felton. He was preceded in death by his wife, a grandson, Brian Steines, 2 sisters: Marie (Elmer) Hilkin and Irene (Bud) Kiefer, and a brother-in-law: Charles (Janet) Hess. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Clarence's name and will be divided among his favorite charities, one being the Wounded Veteran Warriors. The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Dr. O. Khatib and his staff, Hospice of Dubuque, and the Dubuque Retirement Community and staff.