R. Paul Steffensmeier

R. Paul Steffensmeier, 96, of the St. Paul/Houghton area, passed away at 10:03 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1928, in St. Paul, the 11th child of Ben and Rose (Umthum) Steffensmeier. On Sept. 4, 1954, he married Phyllis Denning.

Survivors include his wife Phyllis; children, Penny (Larry) Walter of Shawnee, Kan., Rus (Bev) Steffensmeier of Houghton, Rhonda Peseau of Arlington, Wash., Ritch Steffensmeier of Overland Park, Kan.; 11 grandchildren, Kurt (Hallie) Steffensmeier, Bobbi (Ryan) Kruse, Karla (Lynn) Williams, Austin (Tiffany) Walter, Russell Walter, Allison Walter, Hannah (Ilya) Glazunoy, Will Peseau, Jade (Daniel) Johnson, Halle Steffensmeier, Breck Steffensmeier; 10 great-grandchildren and one sister, Annette Nares of Davenport.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pam, on Jan. 1, 1974, and one son at birth.

Paul was very proud to be a graduate of the first high school graduating class of St. James School in St. Paul. He was a lifelong resident of the St. Paul-Houghton area and was mayor of St. Paul in 1956.

He was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Houghton Knights of Columbus. Farming and feeding cattle were his lifelong work which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Paul was a Pioneer Seed dealer for 22 years. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge, and researching genealogy. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Houghton. A luncheon will follow at the Houghton Knights of Columbus.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools or Houghton Fire and Rescue.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.