In memory of

Jay Lee Steffen

March 4, 1950 - October 27, 2024
From: Everly, IA
Jay Lee Steffen

Jay Lee Steffen

Born: March 4, 1950
Died: October 27, 2024
Age: 74
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   Jay Steffen, age 74 of Everly, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by his family.  He was born on March 4, 1950, to parents Don "Doodle" and Lucile (Olson) Steffen in Spencer, IA, and grew up on a farm near Rossie.  He attended Greenville-Rossie Elementary and Junior High School, graduating in 1968 from Clay Central High School.  Following graduation, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA.
   On March 13, 1971, Jay married Muriel "Murt" Anderson of Stratford, IA.  This union was blessed with three children: Heather, Tessa, and Tye. They raised their family on a farm south of Rossie.  A lot of hard work was put in over the years.  He taught his kids many important things such as responsibility, independence, safety, and a good work ethic. A great foundation was laid, and he was proud of the adults his children grew to be.
   Jay loved farming and raising livestock.  He grew up going to the Clay County Fair and spent 8 years as a Lincoln Lions 4-H member and 15 years as a leader.  As an adult, he never missed a year of going to the fair daily. On a very rare occasion, he may have missed one day of the fair out of all of those years. Jay was always involved in his community by being a Clay County Pork Producer and past president, a Clay County Cattlemen member, he served on the Farm Bureau and Clay County Iowa State Extension and Outreach boards, was Bethlehem Lutheran Church board president, and a Northwest Iowa Classic Tractor Club member. 
   After farming, he and Murt moved to central Iowa where he worked at the Iowa State University Dairy Farm and later the USDA National Disease Lab as an Animal Supervisor for their bison and white-tailed deer.  Upon retirement, they returned to NW Iowa to be closer to their son’s farming and granddaughters’ activities.
   As many know, Jay was quite the jokester.  He had a fun time performing in the comedic act Mor and Les and always had a joke or a good story to tell anyone that wanted to listen.  Portraying Santa Claus was another pastime.  He looked forward to dressing up every year and yes, Murt was by his side as Mrs. Claus.  Being an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and collector of all things kept him busy.  If he went out for the day, chances are that something came home with him to be added to his collections.
   Jay will be missed by his family and all who knew him.  Survivors include his wife, Murt Steffen of Everly, IA; children Heather Steffen of Des Moines, IA, Tessa Steffen of Sioux Rapids, IA, and Tye (Lisa) Steffen and granddaughters Lucy and Sally of Milford, IA; brother Cory (Sue) Steffen; sister Connie Steffen and husband Donovan Prinsloo; sister-in-law Marcia Steffen; sisters-in-law: Elaine (Chuck) Lore, Janice (Jim) Coon, and Norma (Jeff) Jones; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
   He was preceded in death by his parents Doodle and Lucy Steffen; parents-in-law Orville and Betty Anderson; brother Terry Steffen; niece Heidi Mogush; and brother-in-law Stephen Anderson.
Tribute Video
SERVICES
Celebration Gathering
Saturday, November 9, 2024
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Great Hall of Royal
300 1st Avenue
Royal, Iowa
INTERMENT
Private Family Burial
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa

Condolences

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 3:56 PM
“We are just now hearing of Jay's passing! You all have our consolenses! We really enjoyed being around you both. Always with many stories and lots of laughs! Again, we are sorry for your loss- Jay was a great man! ”
- Kyle and Sue Westrum
Monday, November 11, 2024 at 9:14 AM
“So sorry to the family for your loss. Jay was a great guy with a smile on his face every time we would see him at Spillin! Many fond memories of those times!”
- Mark and Bridget Hallman
Friday, November 8, 2024 at 8:12 AM
“My deepest sympathies My heart goes out to all that loved him ! He was one of the good guys !!!! ”
- Rhonda Olson
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 4:59 PM
“So many good memories of my old classmate and buddy. Condolences to Murt & family and prayers that you are in a better place old friend.”
- Larry Eninger
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM
“I'm sorry to hear of your loss”
- Linda (Schuknecht) Brooks
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM
“Murt and family, I remember Jay from childhood, he actually went to school with my sister Mary, (whenever I saw him I would remind him that he was so much older) and he would chuckle. He will be remembered for his kind heart and wonderful sense of humor. We are so sorry for your loss and will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless! Laura (Toestenrud) Carlentini ”
- Laura (Tostenrud) Carlentini
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9:08 PM
“There's never been a time in my life that Jay and Murt weren't in my life. Even moving to Des Moines and Omaha we would bump in to them from time to time. He was a second dad to me. The last time I saw him was when we were cleaning my mom's house out and it seemed like it was just yesterday that we had seen them. I will forever remember the huge laugh. Stay strong family. We love you all. ”
- DeeDee Grote Erdkamp
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9:08 PM
“I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. The neighborhood will be a little less bright without him there. Mari and Dan”
- Mari
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 8:07 PM
“We were sorry to hear about Jay's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Murt and the family. Gods speed Jay on your way home. Lee,Sherrie,Grant,Allison,Logan and families.”
- Lee and Sherrie Burns
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 4:21 PM
“Murt & family; We are saddened to hear about Jay. He will be missed by many - his smile & laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. Prayers for peace for your family. God be with you all.”
- Jim & Sue Adams
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 12:47 PM
“So sorry for your loss Murt. You and Jay were quite a pair from the good old days at Iowa State. What a wonderful life you shared and many great memories for sure. ”
- Tom Plaht
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9:07 AM
“Murt and family, we were so sorry to hear about Jay passing. Lots of fun memories with you two and with our families together. ”
- Vicki and Gary Seversen
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9:07 AM
“Murt and family, we folks who knew Jay won't be laughing as much anymore, and will miss his fun-loving ways. He and Terry loved a good joke! Your Steffen family has been hit hard this year. You two have raised such good kids, and even with Jay's almost constant wit, he was so very proud of all of you. Know that so many think so highly of all of you. ❤️ We are saddened to lose another friend.”
- Bob & Nira Rusk
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 9:07 AM
“Dear Murt and Family, We are so heartbroken with you in the loss of Jay. He was one of a kind and such a joy to be around. We're praying for your great comfort and peace. ”
- Tim & Susan Christensen
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 5:49 PM
“Murt and family -- I was so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. May you find peace in God's presence during this difficult time.”
- Ruben and Donnis Stugart
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 2:54 PM
“ Must, I am so sorry for your loss. May God surround you and your love ones with peace and comfort ”
- Kellie Rohrs
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 11:18 AM
“Murt, Your Husband's love will always be with you. Please know that others are with you today in thoughts and caring, just as your husband will always be with you and your family in loving memory. ”
- Donna & Harlan Schott
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:48 AM
“We are thinking of you and your family Murt. Jay was always the life in the room. We will all miss the fun and joy he brought. Sending our love and hugs!”
- Al & Joann Kinnetz
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:48 AM
“Dear Murt and Family, We are so sorry for your loss! Our heart hurts for all of you. The world has lost a wonderfully crazy guy. We were so glad that you could help us celebrate our anniversary, and we are praying for many crazy and happy memories to comfort you. ”
- Tim & Edna Lawson
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 9:12 PM
“Ahhh - So many memories of times with Jay, and all of them good!! Praying for comfort and peace for all of our family.”
- Rodney Steffen
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 9:12 PM
“So sorry for your loss. ”
- Bev and Jim Webster
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 3:31 PM
“Mitt I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.”
- Dianna Kaczmarek
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 2:18 PM
“My Deepest Sympathies! Jay was one of the best!”
- Justin Spieker
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:36 AM
“Oh Murt, I'm so sorry honey, was Jay ill? Or was it sudden? My goodness you'll miss him, you two are such a cute couple, no Santa Claus now. Mrs will have to carry on! You take care of yourself honey. Send me your address! I love you........ JoAnn ”
- jOANN MEUSBURGER
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