Vernon Henry Steffens

Vernon Henry Steffens, age 87, of Appleton, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was born in Kaukauna, WI on September 10, 1938, to the late Henry and Mary Therese (Platten) Steffens.

Vern graduated from Appleton (West) High School and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he married Marian M. (Manderfield) Steffens in 1959. Together they shared 22 years of marriage and raised six children. Vern retired from Kimberly-Clark as a millwright in 1995, but his industrious spirit led him to operate his own real estate agency for many years while still working at the mill. In November 1991, he married Denise E. Behm, and together they enjoyed life in both Arizona and Wisconsin until his passing.

Vern was well known as a natural conversationalist, debater, and voracious reader. His charismatic personality drew people in, and he enthusiastically discussed current events, history, books, life, his children, and fishing with anyone he met. He encouraged his family and friends to attend church, pray, live in faith, and love one another.

A true "Jack" and "Master" of all trades, Vern could fix or build anything for anyone. He loved playing cribbage, poker and sheepshead-though opponents often left more than a dollar on the table. He took great joy in sharing card games with family and friends. On the water, Vern was unmatched; whether walleye, perch, northern, crappie, striper, or bass, no fish was safe when Vern was in the boat. He was a devoted family man who treasured time spent at the lake, his Arizona home, and his Wisconsin home surrounded by loved ones.

Vern is survived by his loving wife, Denise; sister Mary Worm, brother Alvin (Gus) Steffens, children Lee Steffens, Chris (Rick) Malchow, Karen (Doug) Schneider, Linda (Tom) Kopiske, John Steffens, and Mike Steffens; and grandchildren Leah Sonnenburg, Richard L. (Melissa) Malchow, Caralyn (Justin) Goza, Ryan (Mia) Malchow, Ben Gossens, Renae (Aaron) Nider, Ross (Robyn) Kopiske, Rachel Kopiske, Valerie (Jake) Johnson, Erin (Kyle Girard) Steffens, Brooke Steffens, and Jordan Steffens. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Helen (Phillip) Lampert and Agnes (David) Cooper; brother Elmer (Cindy) Steffens; brother-in-law Donald Worm; and grandson Lance Steffens.

Visitation and Christian service will occur on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Saint Bernadette's Catholic Church, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton, WI. Visitation 9:30-11:30 a.m. with service at 11:30 followed by military honors. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Silverstone Memory Care. In-lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.