Kenneth James Steffen, 95, of Ottumwa, died at 3:58 a.m. July 14, 2023 at Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.
He was born January 14, 1928 in Kingsley, IA to Bernard Matthew and Margaret Corsini Murray Steffen. Ken married Sally Jean Hickey on April 10, 1950 and she preceded him in death on September 12, 2013.
A graduate of Spencer High School, Ken graduated from Iowa State University with a B.A. in Architecture. Moving back to Ottumwa in 1956, he worked for Lyle Howard for a short time. He then owned and operated Steffen & Stoltz Architects, working up to age 85.
He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #888 and helped serve fish on Friday nights. He was also a member of Rotary Club of Ottumwa, Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce and had been a member and president of the Ottumwa School Board. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects. Having been appointed by Governor Branstad, he served 3 terms on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and he was nationally recognized in Washington, D.C.
Surviving are his children, Nancy Rahmeyer, Patricia Steffen, Theresa (Greg) Sparks, Jean (Larry) Anderson, Anne (Gary) Smith and Mike (Jackie) Steffen; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Karl Steffen; siblings, Verlin “Bud” Steffen, Leo Steffen, Wyman Steffen and Dorothy “Dottie” McEntee.
His body has been cremated.
The family will be present to greet friends 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, July 17th, at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery Columbarium.
Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.Hide
