Obituary of Bernie Steffen

Bernie Steffen, 82, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton with his wife by his side and his daughter Kim near by. Lois, his daughter in law spent some special time with him also. A celebration of life will be held in Wakonda at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

A special thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Avera Oncology and Cancer Institute and the staff at Sister James.  But most of all, thank you for the special care at the Hospice House. You all took such good care of him and his family.

Bernard Raymond Steffen was born on a farm around Crofton, NE, to Gilbert and Colleta (Maly) Steffen on May 15, 1942.  Bernie moved with his family to a farm near Wakonda and attended country school and then Wakonda High School. He played football and basketball and graduated in 1960.

He then worked on roads and bridges.  On November 27, 1963, he married Ruth Freidel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton.They lived in Yankton a few months and then moved to Wakonda.  They had two children. Tim was born on October 31, 1964; and Kim was born on March 31, 1971.

Bernie worked for various contractors until he started Steffen Construction in 1980.  Tim worked with his dad on Saturdays and summers until he graduated in 1983; and he continued working with his dad until Bernie retired in 2021.

Bernie and his wife moved to an apartment in Yankton in February, 2022, due to health issues.

Bernie was on the school board for one term and 29 years on the Wakonda town Board, with 26 of those years as the Mayor of Wakonda.

He managed the Wakonda softball team for many years.  He loved camping and catfish fishing at the Jim River with his family.  Most of all, he loved teaching the grandkids how to fish.They spent a lot of time in the summer at Chamberlain, fishing in the Fort Thompson area with family.

Bernie and his wife did a lot of traveling with their friends, including a Caribbean cruise and a Hawaiian cruise for their 50^th anniversary.  They enjoyed dancing and attended many dances over the years.  They also had fun going to different casinos.

Bernie and Ruth spent a lot of time going to the grandchildren’s events, which included lots of ballgames.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ailene Carpenter, Angie Hill, Antonette Lange, and sister-in-law Ruth Steffen; nephews John and Christopher Steffen, and Brad (Kandi) Lange; brothers-in-law Quinten Lange, Duane Freidel and his life partner Sandy, Melvin (Carolyn) Freidel and Albert Hill; - father-in-law Charles Freidel and mother-in-law Rose Freidel.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of Yankton; son Tim (Lois) Steffen, daughter Kim (Kevin) Johnson, all of Wakonda; grandchildren Mandy, of Tea; Corey, in the US Army; and Mason, of Wakonda; brothers Bill (Bonnie) Steffen of Waukee, IA, Leon (Linda) Steffen of St. Joseph, MO, Roman Steffen of Menominee, NE; sister-in-law Helen (Vern) Machacek of Platte, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie will be missed by his wife of 60 years, his family, and his many friends and all who knew him.

Rest in peace, we love you.