John Herman Steffen

John Herman Steffen
July 14, 1924 - October 21, 2020

   
   John Herman Steffen, 96, passed away Wednesday, October 21, at his home in Lakeland, FL. He was born July 14, 1924, to Rome Steffen and Golda Lung (Steffen) Howe. On April 27, 1941, he married Ileen Rogers in Rockport. She preceded him in death on March 19, 1994. On February 14, 2009, he married Alberta Holzhuter, who survives.
   He attended the Weaver Country School and Schwiebert Country School, before moving into Deshler and attending Deshler School. At age 9, he was needed to help his parents at their business, The Phienix House, Deshler. Wanting to serve his country during World War II, he joined the US Navy, serving in the South Pacific. Returning from the Navy, he worked nights for the B&O Railroad Express and spent his days washing cars and as a mechanic. In 1960, he purchased the Ford dealership in Deshler. In 1974, he also bought the Ottawa Ford dealership. In the 1990s, he began farming. A licensed airplane pilot and boat captain, he enjoyed taking fishing charters onto Lake Erie and was an experienced woodworker and carver. He loved hunting and fishing, often taking trips to Canada. He attended Family Worship Center in Lakeland and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa, for many years.
   Survivors include a daughter, Cookie (Tom) Frania; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Gerken; Steve (Lisa) Frania; Cara Sargent; Jolynne (Gavin) Pike; Melanie Halker; David (Tylee) Spurgeon III; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Penny Spurgeon.
   He will be remembered as a smart, enterprising, self-educated individual who was determined to be successful and was always anxious to experience new things and places. He liked to dream big dreams and continues to inspire his family to do the same.
   Services will be private for the family and he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Ileen at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Deshler American Legion Post and the U.S. Navy.
   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Cornerstone Hospice, Lakeland or Parkside Christian Fellowship Church, Deshler.  Memorials may be mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 196, Deshler, Ohio 43516.  Those wishing to extend condolences to the family may do so at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

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