Clarence Michael Steffes

Clarence Steffes, age 93, of Ivanhoe, MN passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 10th at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe, MN. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7pm on Tuesday, September 9th at the Houseman Visitation Center in Ivanhoe, MN with a prayer service at 7pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Ivanhoe, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks, MN has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Clarence was born on July 16, 1932 to Matt and Mary (Becker) Steffes at his parents' farm in rural Ivanhoe. He attended country school as well as school in Wilno until his eighth-grade graduation. Following graduation, Clarence worked as a hired farm hand.

In November 1952, Clarence entered the U.S. Army. He spent 2 years in Korea with an Infantry Unit. While serving his country, Clarence received a Korean Service Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star; United Nations Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; and the National Defense Service Medal. After his honorable discharge in September 1954, Clarence worked as a laborer with Albert VanOverbeke on his farm. Prior to marriage, he started working for the DX Station in Ivanhoe as a mechanic. He continued to work as a mechanic until he was approached by one of the Lincoln County Commissioners, encouraging him to apply for a position with the Lincoln County Highway Department. Clarence followed this advice and worked for the Highway Department for 20 + years; at one point becoming the highway foreman. After his retirement, he found out not working wasn't for him so he drove truck for Olsen Farms for a short time ultimately changing directions to work for SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery.

On August 30, 1958, Clarence married Sharron Skorczewski at St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler. Three children were born to this union, Michael, Cheryl, and LeAnn. Clarence enjoyed watching his children grow and was often found in the bleachers for any sporting event they were involved in.

Clarence had a great love for his family and was a great father but showed a whole-new level of love and dedication to his family when he became a grandpa. He was often found playing under a table with one of the grandkids, out crawling around in the dirt showing one of the grandkids how to garden, in the bleachers at a sporting event, or playing cards on a Sunday afternoon.

Clarence died Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Sunrise Manor in Tyler, MN following a short admission to hospice. He reached the age of 93 years, 1 year short of his goal of 94. One week prior to his death he stated "I have one more year to be around".

He is survived by his children Michael (Benita) Steffes, Cheryl (Bob) Verschelde, and LeAnn (Ron) Gregg; his beloved grandchildren Skylar Steffes, Shanly Hart, Robin Peterson, Carrie Addengast, Ryan Verschelde, Andrew Gregg, and Matthew Gregg; Great-grandchildren Taryn, Cameron, and Archer Addengast, and Macie, Anna, and Nolan Verschelde; and many more relatives and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, unborn infant, parents, grandparents, and siblings.