Morris Steffen

MORRIS STEFFEN Morris Norman Steffen was born November 21, 1920 as the first-born son of Charlie and Elizabeth Steffen. Morris lived his entire life in the Griswold, Atlantic and Cumberland area until his death on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at the age of 90 years, 3months and 2 days. Morris farmed with his father until he joined the Army Air Corp, Eighth Air Force during World War II. He served in the European theatre in a munitions depot during his years of service and rose to the rank of Corporal. During his years in England, Morris developed a personal relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in a small church there. Upon returning to the United States after the war, Morris met and married Flora McNeal Gardiner of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951 and they remained happily united until Flora's death in 2003. During their union Morris and flora adopted three children from the Annie Wittenmyer Children's Home in Davenport, Iowa; Kenny Lee, Theresa Kay and Craig Allen. The family farmed in the area until 1973, at which time Morris was employed by Joe B. Mewhirter as a carpenter. He continued in that employ until his retirement in 1996. The family moved to Cumberland, Iowa in 1975 and Morris has resided there since. Throughout their lives together, Morris and Flora endeavored to learn and walk in the ways of Jesus. They were part of the Lyman Assembly for most of their lives together and also were part of the Atlantic Gospel Chapel and Sunnyside Bible Chapel for some years. The loving community at Lyman Assembly was an especially important part of Morris' life after the death of Flora. This church family helped, served and loved on him till his last breath. Morris and his family will be eternally grateful for this sacrificial love that was so like what Jesus has taught us. Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Elizabeth (Paulsen) Steffen, his wife of nearly 52 years, Flora (Gardiner) Steffen, and a great-granddaughter Gracie Kay Jackson. He is survived by his brother Kenneth Steffen of Port Angeles, WA; his three children, son, Kenny Lee Steffen and wife Rose of Omaha, NE and grand children Ryan and Ashley; daughter, Theresa Kay Jackson and husband Rick of Griswold, IA and grandchildren Kerri Hayes and husband Brian and great grandchildren Brandon and Brianna, Titus and wife Jessica and great grandson Hunter and step granddaughter Julia, Travis and wife Krista and great grandchildren Naudia, Bryce and Jace Tyler and great grandchildren Mason, Talon and Zander; and son Craig Allen Steffen and wife Cindy of Spring Valley, Ohio. Morris is also survived by nieces, nephews, numerous relatives and church family.Funeral Information There will be an open visitation daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Morris with a family visitation Friday evening, February 25, from 5:00 to 7:00. Services will be held at the Roland Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, February 26, at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Pleasant Township Cemetery south of Griswold.IN REMEMBRANCE OFMORRIS NORMAN STEFFENBorn November 21, 1920ENTERED INTO REST February 23, 201190 years, 3 months, 2 daysFUNERAL SERVICESaturday, February 26, 2011One Thirty P.M..Roland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGCraig SteffenSINGERKenneth SteffenMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Amazing Grace&""Just A Closer Walk With Thee&"ORGANIST Liz Meyer PALLBEARERS Titus Jackson Travis Jackson Ryan Steffen Greg Meyer Brian Meyer Jeff Meyer Justin MeyerHONORARY BEARERSWilliam Meyer Joe Mewhirter FLOWER COMMITTEESheila Bancroft Stephanie Bancroft Courtney Bancroft INTERMENTPleasant Hill CemeterySouth of Griswold, IowaLUNCHEONFollowing the interment, Morris" family invites friends to join them for refreshments at the Lyman Gospel Chapel.