Phillip H. Steffan

Phillip H. Steffan, 95 of Devils Lake passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center with loving family at his side. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Steven Wirth celebrating the Mass. Burial and Military Honors will be at the church cemetery. Gathering of Family and Friends on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus. 

Phillip Henry Steffan, son of Jacob and Katherine (Mitzel) Steffan was born on October 12, 1926, in Devils Lake ND. He was reared on a farm near Devils Lake and attended a country township school. He helped on the family farm from a very young age, as his older brothers were called to military service.

On March 7, 1945, Phil entered the United States Army at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He honorably and proudly served his country during World War II with the Military Police and was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged on November 27, 1946, at Fort Lewis, WA with the rank of sergeant.

Phil returned to North Dakota and the farm. On November 15, 1950, Phil was united in marriage to Ida Irene Senger. They established their home on several different farms Northeast of Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their family through the years. They officially retired from farming in 1995, but they never retired from work and volunteerism. Irene died on October 23, 2017.

Phil was never idle. In addition to farming, he took on many other jobs to support his family. He laid carpet and linoleum for Jundt’s, Montgomery Wards, LaMotte’s and Keatings for over 35 years. He worked at the Gilbertson Funeral Home as a funeral assistant into his eighties. He assisted area farmers when needed.

He was an active member of the rural Catholic churches and later St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as a 10:30 a.m. Mass usher for many years. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. He also enjoyed membership in the local Eagles and Elks Lodges. He and Irene enjoyed many hours of square dancing as charter members of the Prairie Partners Square Dancers.

Phil had many talents. He could fix most anything and created so many things as a wood worker; game boards, decorations for every holiday and whatever Irene needed to complete her projects. He never turned down a game of cards, good coffee, and good conversation. He shared his homemade sausage, head cheese and faux salmon with friends and relatives.

Phil’s two greatest passions, fishing, and family. He loved to fish, but more importantly, he loved to teach his children and grandchildren how to fish, clean fish and put on fish frys. Phil was never happier than when he was in the presence of his grandchildren and his family. He couldn’t always express with words, but the sparkle in his eyes and the smile on his face told the story of his love.

Phillip was a devoted, faithful husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather and good brother and special uncle. He served his country and was a good steward of the land. He loved his Lord and counted his blessings each and every day. He will be so very missed.

His loving family that survive are his children Jim (Lorie) Steffan, Wickenburg, AZ, Sue (Boyd) LaFleur, Connie (Rod) Heisler all of Devils Lake, Tari (Marty) Burkhart, Watertown SD, Rodney (Karen) Steffan, Greer, SC, Jerry (Tracy) Steffan, Cave Creek AZ and Colette Reardon, Hanover MA; son-in-law Terry Jordan, Alvarado, MN; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren and one on the way; sister Elizabeth Schall, Devils Lake; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Pat Steffan and Gail Senger, Devils Lake, William “Bill” and Betty Senger, Ohio and Connie Senger, Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Irene, daughters Virginia “Ginger” Jordan, Bonnie Steffan and Mary Steffan; brothers Conrad Steffan, Pete Steffan and Frank Steffan, sisters Mary Wilhelmi and Pauline Zimmer.