Francis J. Steffes Sr.

8/15/1927 — 2/15/2014

• Service Date: 2/21/2014
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Francis J. Steffes Sr., 86, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Dad was born Aug. 15, 1927, on the Steffes family homestead outside of Plevna, Mont. He was the last surviving child of 11 children, and the third youngest of Joseph and Rose (Doonan) Steffes. Dad lived on the family farm until enlisting in the U.S. Army in January 1949.

While in the Army, dad went to Nagasaki, Japan, after the atomic bomb hit. He would later tell his grandson the story of how they weren't told of the chance of radiation exposure until after they arrived. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952.

Dad and mom, Lee Neiffer, were married on May 1, 1951, in Ekalaka, Mont., spending almost 63 years together. They lived in eastern Montana, where together they raised five children.

The family moved to Lewiston in 1969. Dad went into a partnership co-owning Ideal Homes in Orofino; he commuted back and forth from Lewiston to Orofino until 1972, when Mom finished beauty school and they moved to Orofino. While living in Orofino, dad became sole owner of Ideal Homes. He also involved himself in real estate development, and mom opened Lees' Beauty Den. Dad was very active in community affairs, being president of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce in 1977, chairman of the building committee when St. Theresa's built its new church, and other community events. They spent many years enjoying the Clearwater Valley and the many friendships they made.

In 1991, mom and dad semi-retired and returned to Lewiston. They became very active in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. In 2010, they moved into Royal Plaza Assisted Living, where mom continues to live. Thank you, Royal Plaza, for the wonderful quality of care and love you showed dad; he truly felt at home and appreciated all the love and attention he was given.

Dad was preceded in death not only by his parents and siblings, but also his son, Bryan, in 1972; and grandson Matthew Marsh, in 2008. Dad is survived by his wife, Lee; daughter Patti Steffes-Marsh of Lewiston; son FJ Jr. (Candi) of Boise; Kent (Tammy) of Lancaster, Calif., and Keith of Clarkston; grandchildren Meghan (Skate) Pierce, Michael (London) Marsh, Sarah (Jeff) Schmaltz, Daniel (Aubre) Schrempp, Stephanie (Nolan) Stover, Kyle Steffes, Shane Steffes and Adam Steffes; and six great-grandchildren, with another baby due in May - they always delighted him and made him laugh, Clyse and Tylin Pierce, Trey and Becca Schmaltz, Abigail Schrempp and Landon Steffes.

The rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, with high Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Lewiston. Lunch will follow in the parish hall.

Dad had macular degeneration and was legally blind. That didn't stop him. The last day of his life, he took his semi-weekly trip to Albertsons in Clarkston via Lewiston transit. Thank you, Tom, the driver and the gals at Albertsons. He always told me what great help he received from all of you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in dad's honor to the Willow Center for Grieving Children, P.O. Box 1361, Lewiston, ID, 83501; or All Saints Catholic School, 641 Fifth Ave., Lewiston, ID, 83501.

The phrase, "He never met a stranger," must have been coined for dad. He enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone. He had a great gift of gab, sense of humor with an infectious laugh and loved to joke and tease. Shortly before he died he was joking with the doctor in the emergency room.

Yes, that was our Dad! We love and miss you Dad!

Service Information

Date & Time

Friday, February 21, 10:30 AM

Location

St. James Catholic Church - Lewiston
1519 Ripon Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501

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Additional Details

The rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, with high Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Lewiston. Lunch will follow in the parish hall.

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