Paul E. Steffen

Paul E. Steffen, one of 11 children, was born June 24, 1927, to Henry B. and Blanche L. Steffen. He joined the ranks of heaven on Feb. 8, 2015, at the Griswold Care Center.

Born and raised in Griswold, Iowa, Paul was a lifelong resident except during his time serving his country. During his senior year of high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18 in August 1945. He proudly served his country during World War II in Korea. As a result, it wasn't until 1993 when he proudly received his high school diploma at the Griswold Soldiers Reunion.

Returning from the service in January 1947, Paul worked as a mechanic at the John Deere Implement store and drove a stock truck for Bob Drake and Wilber Mauk. Later, he worked for Bert Morton and also George Mueller's farm, located south of Lyman.

Paul was united in marriage to Cleo M. Ray on Jan. 13, 1950, in Griswold. To this union four children were born.

The couple moved to Griswold in 1967 at which time Paul worked for Rodr Oil on Main Street. He later worked for Patterson Oil and purchased the tank wagon service known as Community Oil Co. In 1992, Paul and two business partners built Griswold Amoco Fuel-O-Matic, currently Steffen Fuel Supply. He was a member of the Central Church of Christ, and for several years, a volunteer fireman and ambulance driver. For more than 50 years, Paul was a member of the Griswold American Legion Post 508 and had the honor of serving as Grand Marshall for the Griswold Soldiers Reunion in 1993. He was involved with the Legion dance and provided bingo for the Soldiers Reunion for many years. He also served on the Griswold City Council for 10 years.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Cleo M. Steffen; son, Craig Steffen of Central City, Iowa; and daughters, Karla (Lee) Auble of Arnold, Neb.; Diane (Allen) Conner of Arnold, Neb.; Jan (Ray) Preston of Griswold. Grandchildren, Amy (Andrey) Trinidad of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Justin Conner of Arnold, Neb.; Amber Conner of Denver, Colo.; Landon Preston of Griswold; Rachel Auble of Ravenna, Neb.; Page (Jeff) Hammond of Roseville, Cali.; and Tanner Preston of Griswold. And the special Great Grands include Twins Conner and Addyson Trinidad of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Makenzi Preston of Audubon; Alayna Preston of Griswold; and Libby Hammond of Roseville, Cali. Brothers, Marvin Steffen of Corning and Wayne Steffen of Greenfield. Sisters, Mary (Bill) Davis of Glenwood; Jane (Basil) Reppas of Cedar Falls; and, Janet (Paul) Martinez of Arvada, Colo. Many nieces and nephews, lifelong friends and relatives.

Paul was proceeded in death by his parents, infant sister Harriette Steffen; sisters, Aletha Acord and Lucy Guttau; and brothers, Clark Steffen and Boyd Steffen.