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Aaron Steenbergen Obituary
October 9, 1936 – July 20, 2025
Bakersfield – Dr. Aaron L. Steenbergen, of Bakersfield, California, made his transition on July 20, 2025.
He was born to Aaron and Veronica Steenbergen on October 9, 1936, in Northfield, New Hampshire. Aaron graduated from Penacook High School in 1953. Following graduation, he served on active duty in the United States Air Force as an airborne radar navigation equipment repairman during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was based in Japan and Korea during those conflicts. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the National Rifle Association.
Aaron earned his Bachelor's Degree in American History in 1964 and his Master's Degree in Social Studies in 1965 at the University of Northern Iowa. He also earned his Ph.D. in Social-Philosophical Foundations of Education at Michigan State University in 1972.
Aaron had a wide-ranging interest in education. His 41 years in the enterprise included teaching in private and public high schools, universities, and colleges. He also served as a Lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Shirley, step-children Kathy Eribarne, Brian Parnell, Joel Parnell and Jon Parnell, and numerous grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10:00am at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Steenbergen
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4 Entries
Coleen Keiser
July 29, 2025
I remember Dr. Steenbergen from high school, it was the late 80's, he was a new teacher at BHS, and even though I had all the angst of a lovely teenager, he was undeterred; just kind, warm, and so ready to discuss anything and engage with us. Even to a know-it-all-teen, he seemed so worldly and could match our enthusiasm for debate.
Terri Lynn Rivera
July 28, 2025
Roger and I send our sincere condolences to Shirley, Brian, Kathy, Jon , Joel and all of their families. Love never dies, it lives on in our hearts.
Ron Hughes
July 27, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Aaron's passing. I worked with Aaron for several years at CSU, Bakersfield. He was a kind and knowledgeable colleague and took a personal interest in his students and colleagues. I always looked forward to meeting with Aaron. He had a view of the world that kept our conversations positive and offered solutions over barriers. This is a loss of a great educator. RIP
Roberta Parnell
July 25, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear of Aaron´s passing. I always enjoyed his smile and stories.
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