Cora Steffens

The funeral service celebrating the life of Cora Steffens of Wadena will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena with Pastor Nate Loer presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.

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You are invited to watch the service via live-stream by going to:

www.youtube.com/@ILCWadena

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With her daughters by her side Cora, 91, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Sauk Centre, MN. Compassionate care was provided by the CURA Care Center staff.

Cora was born to Philip and Elizabeth (Tebben) Berends on November 5, 1934, near Clara City in Chippawa County, MN. She attended Clara City School and graduated in 1952.

Cora was united in marriage with Clarence Steffens on November 28, 1954, in Clara City. Her days were busy with keeping books for her family's business, Ambassador Meats, and cooking in the school kitchen for many years. She enjoyed time at Rush Lake and especially valuable time spent with her family members. Cora devoted numerous hours to the activities at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She also gave of her time to Tri-County Health and delivering Meals on Wheels. The community will remember her as a sweet "little" lady who always had treats and the coffee pot on.

Preceding Cora in death were her husband, Clarence (2004); sons, Duane (2021) and Al (2025); parents, Philip and Elizabeth; siblings: infant sister, Phyllis, Martin Berends, Johanna Ilaug, Ann Peterson and Mike Berends.

Forever remembering Cora will be her daughters Lois (Gary) Lawson of Wadena and Beverly (Tim) Soule of Sauk Centre; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Shelly Steffens and Lori Steffens; siblings, Betty Erickson and Elaine Weiss; sister-in-law, Carol Berends; brother-in-law, Ronnie (Diane ) Steffens; along with extended family and a host of friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell Steffens, Bobbi Jo Wegscheid, Nikki Sartori, Jill Steffens, Jenny Day and Andrea Fitzgerald.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brad Soule, Cory Soule, Brent Lawson, Kenny Steffens, Mike Steffens and Jake Day.