Bernardine C. “Bernie” Steffen

Bernardine C. “Bernie” Steffen, age 93, of Plymouth, Wis., passed away Monday evening, Aug. 12, 2024, at Songbird Pond in Plymouth, Wis., where she had been a resident for the past 3-1/2 years.

She was born on Jan. 23, 1931, in Mitchell, S.D., a daughter of the late Vernon and Gladys (Smith) Maier.

Bernie attended Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell, S.D., and Mitchell High School.

On Aug. 27, 1949, she married Robert P. Steffen in Mitchell, S.D.

In 1953, the couple moved to Fredonia, Wis., with their two oldest children. They remained in the Fredonia area, raising their eight children. The couple retired in Crivitz, where they were active in many clubs and organizations. Her husband preceded her in death on June 2, 2010. Bernie resided in Plymouth for the past 11 years.

Bernie was a homemaker for many years before she worked at Northern Signal, Badger Meter and Simplicity Manufacturing in Port Washington for almost 20 years before retiring in 1993.

She was a member of the Crivitz Historical Society, Crivitz Women’s Club, Auxiliary to the MOC, Waubeka VFW Flag Day Auxiliary, Crivitz Legion Auxiliary and Crivitz and Plymouth Red Hats and was a leader of the leather craft project for the Fredonia 4-H.

Bernie enjoyed ceramics, painting, wood carving and wood burning, leather crafts, crocheting, playing cards and spending time with her loving family.

Survivors include her six children, Phyllis von Steffen, Lawrence Steffen (partner Bob Clark), Janice (Les) Sauer, Mary Alice Steffen, Timothy (Mary) Steffen and Patti (Todd) Benicke; 14 grandchildren, Renee  Wolf, Megan (Brian) Anhalt, Barb Feiereisen, Jenn (Krista) Feiereisen, Angela (John) Dorzak, Haley (Jeff) Peterson, Linda (Ronin) Mashaghetti Bartels, Devon (Lynn) Lee, Cassie (John) Ditkof, Gabrielle Steffen (fiance Nick Borchardt), Lauren Bagneski, Stephanie, Nathaniel (fiancee Emma Parins) and Elizabeth Benicke; 11 great-grandchildren, Hannah Anhalt, Tristen Dorzak, Zack Wheelock, Jack, Henry and Violet Peterson, Ethan, Masen and Sophie D’Amato and Mila and Ezra Ditkof; and three great-great-grandchildren, Paisley, Addliee and Emberlyn Dorzak; as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sons, David “Bugem” and Thomas “TJ” Steffen; two grandsons, Kalvin Benicke and Dylan Steffen; sister Lorraine (Clifford “Bubby”) Knoll; brothers-in-laws Phillip (Ruth) Steffen and John (Regina) Steffen and other relatives.

Funeral services were to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plymouth.  Visitation was to take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with Mass to follow at 5 p.m. Father Subi Thomas was to officiate.

Cremation will take place following the services. Inurnment will be at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Fredonia.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Bernie’s name.

Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.

The family would like to send special thanks to the staffs of Songbird Pond and Allay Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion given to Bernie.