John Steffenson
John Hadley Steffenson, 83, of Plainview, MN and formerly of Rochester, MN passed away at the hospital Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Due to the pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, the January 16 funeral service was private for immediate family members only. A recording of the funeral is available on the Facebook page: Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel. Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church.
John was born February 20, 1937 in Makee Township, Allamakee County to Nennor and Mildred (Aure) Steffenson. He was baptized April 25, 1937 and confirmed December 9, 1951 at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon. John attended country school and then graduated from Waukon High School in 1955. Following graduation, John served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959 and was stationed in France for a while.
June 17, 1962, John married Carol Mae Lovstuen at Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper. 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; five brothers, William (Joyce) of Waukon, Gordon (Shirley) of Waukon, 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; his parents; his nephew, Kyle Steffenson; and his niece, Marcy Thronson.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
