Erwin Theodore Steffen

1939 - 2025

Erwin Theodore Steffen

June 23, 1939 - October 28, 2025

Erwin Theodore Steffen passed on October 28, 2025, at the age of 86 with all of his children by his side. His family takes comfort in knowing he has entered his eternal resting place and is no longer in pain and suffering.

Erwin "Erv" was born on June 23, 1939, in West Point, Nebraska on the Steffen family farm to Albert and Mary (Harstick) Steffen. He entered this world with a huge amount of spunk that has only grown over the last 86 years.

Erv attended High School at Central Catholic High School in West Point while working on the family farm and graduated in 1957. He had every intention to play pro baseball, and had even been recruited by the Milwaukee Braves, but after a knee injury he decided to enter the Army to serve his country. As one of the fastest runners, his duty was to carry the bazooka on his shoulder while another soldier would fire it. He used to say that his ears would ring for a week after. He also enjoyed being assigned to drive the bakery truck and deliver pies. This is when he developed his love for sweets which, if you knew him, he never missed an opportunity for desserts! While he was in the Army, he had the opportunity to be on the Army boxing team due to his height and weight. This was a highlight of his time serving his country which he has shared with his children and grandchildren through numerous stories.

Erv then joined the Army Reserves for 6 years to be able to return home when his father told him he was needed back on the family farm. The Reserves is where he became a deputy patrol officer. While on duty as deputy sheriff at a New Year's Eve dance in Snyder, Nebraska, he met his beautiful wife, Donna Mae Kampschneider. From that night on, he only had eyes for her.

On October 7, 1961, Erv married Donna at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Dodge, Nebraska. Together they settled in Fremont, Nebraska where they built their life and raised their family. If you ask his children and grandchildren, it was clear he loved her and has continued to love her since she passed away in February of 2002.

Early on in Erv's career, he worked at The Missile Base near Mead, Nebraska and Magnus Metal, where he was a payroll clerk and office manager for 9 years. Erv started selling insurance as a second job to make extra money. He became an insurance agent for American Family Insurance for 21 years before starting Steffen Insurance in Fremont, Nebraska.

Erv took pride in being involved in the church and local community throughout his life. He was a member of many clubs and organizations including:

•The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick's church, member since 1957

•St. Patrick's Codicil Club

•St. Patrick's and Bergan school boards

•Cursillo /CEC retreats

•United Commercial Travelers (UCT) and served as a council secretary and regional President.

•Travelers Protective Association (TPA) and served as state president and post secretary and served as National President in 2005 and 2006.

•American Legion post 20

•Eagles Club

•Friendship Center Board for 3 years

•Woodcliff Veterans Club

The above is just a subset of the involvement Erv took pride in throughout his life.

Erv instilled a love for both working hard and taking time to enjoy life into his children and grandchildren. From a young age his children can recall him taking the time to coach at their sporting events and teach them love for the game. He also had involvement in the Fremont area swim team and enjoyed being the starter at the swim meets that his children swam in. From working on his family farm as a child and young adult, he gained an appreciation for being outdoors in nature. He spent time gardening, fishing, and hunting and has been proud to see many family members carry on these hobbies. Erv can also be remembered as enjoying traveling. Whether it was a road trip, flights to spend time with family, or going on a cruise, Erv always enjoyed experiencing new places. If you have spent time with him in recent years, you know he loved playing card games like rummy, kings on the corner, and many others with his friends and family.

Erv's true pride and joy in his life was being a parent, grandparent, and great grandparent as he took the time and made many trips to build memories and spend time with family. Erv has also reflected on the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. And has been most proud of each of his grandchildren pursuing and working hard toward their goals through higher education.

Erv is survived by his four children, Tamra Zahid (Steffen), Michael Steffen and wife, Lisa, David Steffen, and Michelle Morgan (Steffen); six grandchildren, Zerreyna Zahid, Ryan Morgan and wife, Becca, Jason Morgan and wife, Greta, Zheeanna Zahid, Amber Morgan, and Faith Steffen; two great-grandchildren; two siblings, Jerome Steffen and wife, Barb and Dorothy Gramm (Steffen), along with seventeen nieces and nephews.

Erv was preceded in death by his Wife, Donna Mae Steffen (Kampschneider); parents, Albert and Mary (Harstick) Steffen; his sister, Barbara Jean Nebuda (Steffen); his niece, Elizabeth Steffen; son-in-law, Scott Morgan and son-in-law, Mouafah Zahid.

Please join us in remembrance of Erwin Theodore Steffen's life at the visitation on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM, followed by Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 PM at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. The funeral will be held at noon on Saturday, November 8th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Fremont with military honors conducted by the Fremont Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, Erv has requested donations be made to Travelers Protective Association (TPA) Hearing Trust, Woodcliff Veterans Club, and Fremont Friendship Center in memory of Erwin T Steffen.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the memories that were made with Erv and shared with family as well.

Online condolences and live streaming are found at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Moser Memorial Chapel

2170 N Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68025

402-721-4490