Obituary of Joseph Clarence Steffensmeier

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Bonnie Steffensmeier of Dyersville, Iowa, 3 nieces: Kimberly (Justin) Ronnebaum, and their children, Caden and Olivia of Earlville, Iowa; Lisa (Nick) Mescher and their children, Morgan and Cole of Dyersville, Iowa; Sara (special friend Troy Nefzger) Steffensmeier of Earlville, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents: Edmund in 1943 and Marie in 1999, and a brother, LeRoy Steffensmeier in 1999. Joe was born on March 5, 1943 in Morgan, MN, the son of Edmund H. and Marie C. (Elenz) Steffensmeier. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1961 and joined the US Navy. His tour took him to much of the South Pacific. Upon his discharge he began working at John Deere Dubuque Works from 1965 until retiring in 1999. Joe enjoyed geneology and volunteering at the Dyersville Historical Society. He was a member of the UAW Local 94 Friends may call from 3 - 7 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2009, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2009, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Phil Kruse. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 137 Memorials are preferred.