Irene Steffes, age 94 of Lake View, IA, formerly of Alta, IA, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View. Irene Ann Halbur was born on November 15, 1928, one of twelve children, to parents Frank and Francis (Bierle) Halbur in Halbur, IA. Irene was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She was raised in the Halbur area where she attended country school through the seventh grade. Irene then stayed home to help with her siblings as well as work around the farm.
On January 9, 1947, Irene married Albert Steffes at the Cathedral of the Epiphany Church in Sioux City, IA. This union was blessed with six children: Ron, Larry, Steve, Jim, Brian, and Sheryl. They raised their family on a farm near Alta, IA. Irene was a homemaker and worked right alongside her husband when it came to farming. She was a very hard worker all of her life. She was the backbone of their family. Irene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake.
She enjoyed farm life where one’s work is never done and worked as a home health aide for many years, retiring from that in 1994. Irene loved camping with her family from the time the children were little. This was something she and Albert continued to do even after their children were grown and off on their own. She also really enjoyed fishing. The family often went fishing and camping together to the Spirit Lake and Okoboji areas as well as to Storm Lake. She was a gardener who harvested and canned many vegetables and fruits over the years. Irene was pretty handy on the sewing machine as well. She enjoyed playing bridge and 500. Irene and Albert shared a hobby which was making wooden clocks together. She had a huge heart and was a very genuine, caring lady who loved her family above all else. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her son, Jim (Patsy) Steffes of Bonne Terre, MO; daughter-in-law Sheila Steffes of Springfield, MO; grandchildren: Molly Steffes, Jennifer Passanise, Ben (Sherri) Steffes, Michael Cook, Shawn (Megan) Cook, and Chris Steffes; great-grandchildren: Bella Passanise, Samual Passanise, Avery Cook, Keaton Cook, Journey Warnke, Taylor Cook, Christian Cook, Madyson Cook, and Aspen Cook; great-great grandchild Elana Cook; siblings: Mary, Dorothy, Ruth, Gene, Wendy, and Wayne; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Francis Halbur; husband Albert Steffes; sons Ron, Larry, Steve, and Brian; daughter Sheryl Cook; and grandson Jeff Steffes.
