Obit: Steffen, Geneva E. (1920 - 2011)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org  

Surnames: Steffen, Fenske, Montag, Schinke, Lingnofski, Calhoun, Paulson, Hildebrandt, Schafermeyer

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 11/182011

Steffen, Geneva E. (4 FEB 1920 - 11 NOV 2011)

Geneva Edna Steffen, 91, died at the Grand Army Home for Veterans in King, Wisconsin on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011, from late stage Alzheimers Disease. 

A long-time resident of Chili until 2006, Geneva was born to the late Herman and Anna (Fenske) Montag on Feb. 4, 1920, in Chili. She was baptized in her home living room in Chili, and entered first grade in the one-room Chili Grade School. She was a member of the first confirmation class from the newly moved church into Chili in 1932. 

She graduated in 1938 from McKinley High School in Marshfield, being active in sports and clerical classes like shorthand. Her graduation ceremony was held in the Purdy Building because McKinley High School burned during her senior year. 

During her youth she worked in her parents' Clover Farm Grocery Store in Chili. One of her very first jobs after graduation was to do housework for Lyle and Lydia Zimmerman in Chili, where she assisted with the birth of their daughter, Joyce.

She married Elmer Bernard (Math) Steffen on Sept. 28, 1940, at Christ Lutheran Church in Chili. 

Geneva worked hard as a mother and homemaker and was very involved with the Chili Grade School PTA, a Sunday School teacher and officer of the Christ Lutheran Sunday School, an active member of the former Chili Community Club, a foods/sewing leader in the Chili 4-H Club, many offices of the former Christ Lutheran Ladies Aid and LWML, a Red Cross volunteer for many Chili Blood Bank drives, and a former member of the Chili Senior Citizens club. 

Often with a big smile and a lot of zip, she was always ready to help neighbors as needed.

During those years, Geneva was an avid gardener, and she enjoyed mowing lawn and keeping the yard neat. 

In addition, she served actively through her husband to support the Chili Fremont Fire Department, and any community function that kept the hamlet of Chili active and busy. 

She always supported the Marshfield High School Tigers, the Wisconsin Badgers and often would say, "They didn't win, but they tried their best!" A fan of the Milwaukee Braves and Brewers fit right into her past of following Elmer who played on the Chili Baseball Team.

She worked in Chili at the Haslow Hardware Store, the Happe/Menger IGA Store, the Quick Cleaners in Marshfield, and as a seasonal worker for the Hewitt Cranberry Company in Lindsey, Figi's Cheese, and the old Marshfield Canning Company.

Geneva is survived by two children, Jeannine Schinke of Neenah, and Robert (Marsha) Steffen of Madison. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Deborah (Jayme) Lingnofski of Neenah, Donna (Dean) Calhoun of Stevens Point, Susan (Charles) Paulson of Sussex, Douglas Hildebrandt of Appleton, Adam Steffen and Libby (Abe) Steffen-Schafermeyer of Eugene, Ore., and Zach (Alisa) Steffen of DeForest. 

She is further survived by 11 great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and five step-great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Elsie (Steffen) Tyler of Wonder Lake, Ill.; 14 nephews and nieces, four cousins, and many extended family members. 

Geneva was predeceased by her husband, Elmer; her parents, Herman and Anna; two brothers, Victor (Olive), and Harold (Hilda); and all other in-laws and some nieces and nephews of the John and Martha (Klapperich) Steffen family.

Services will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church in Chili. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. "A Family Tribute to Geneva's Life" will be at 11 a.m., and the funeral worship at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Daniel Schoessow will officiate. 

Pallbearers will be members of the grandchildren families. 

In lieu of flowers (PLEASE, Geneva REQUESTED NO FLOWERS OR PICTURES), memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church, Chili (Treasurer, W1421 Fremont Road, Granton, WI 54436); the Chili Fremont Fire Department (Treasurer, N5671 Oak St, Chili, WI 54420); or your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association . 

The Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank Geneva's staff-family and caregivers at the Grand Army Home in King for their marvelous care and love they gave to her each day, as well as the Waupaca Hospice staff-family that attended to her so often, and also family and friends who stayed in touch with her through prayer and correspondence.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com  for your convenience.

Responses

Incorrect + More Info
Contact: Robert Steffen
Email: rsteffen@wisc.edu
 

The information about my Mom's name is incorrect. Instead of Geneva L. Steffen it ought to be Geneva E. Steffen. She is listed both under my Father's name (Elmer B. Steffen) as well as her own entry. They both need to be corrected for her middle initial of "E". Mom was Born in Chili.

Also, Geneva's parents are Herman and Anna (Fenske) Montag. They are listed under your "M" page. I can provide an update to their information at a later time.  Bob Steffen