BAINBRIDGE – John R. Steffen, 87, of Bainbridge passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, in Sidney with his family at his side.
He was born Aug. 11, 1923, son of the late Roland and Florence (Robinson) Steffen in Franklin.
John graduated from Franklin Central School and in 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army Air force. John served in the 8th Air force Service Command entirely in Bedford, England during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the European, African, and Middle East Campaign Medals, Victory Medal, WWII and Honorable Service lapel pins.
John married Ruth Stalker on Aug. 4, 1943 in Edgefield, S.C. He was employed as a machinist for the Amphenol Corp. in Sidney when he retired in 1987. John was also a self-employed plumber. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bainbridge, and for 35 years the Rolling Antique Car Club, the Algonquin Car Club and the Bainbridge American Legion. John was a dedicated member of the Bainbridge Fire Department for 59 years serving as a firefighter and past commissioner.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Steffen, Bainbridge; daughters Ann Christian and her husband Gary, Fort Atkinson, Wisc. and Linda Quick and her husband Kevin, Unadilla; a son, Jack Steffen and his wife Pam, Sidney; a sister, Mary J. Parsons, Sidney Center; a sister-in-law, Shirley Wright, Tampa, Fla.; a brother-in-law, Clifford Jones, Greene; grandchildren: Tammy Wild, Jessica Dufford, Matthew Quick, Dustin, Corey and Kayla Steffen, Joshua and Brianna McClenon; five great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also predeceased by his brother, Louis Steffen.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney with a Fireman Service at 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bainbridge. The Rev. Marilyn Sanders will officiate.
Burial with military honors will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 1 South Main St. Bainbridge, NY 13733, Bainbridge Fire Department West Main St. Bainbridge, and Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care 1 Birchwood Drive Oneonta, NY 13820
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.