Steven Earl Haff, 78, of rural Ottumwa, died at 8:10 a.m. January 5, 2026.
He was born April 21, 1947 in Ottumwa to Earl and Ethel Wood Haff. He married Nancy Kay Benge August 5, 1971 and she preceded him in death March 25, 2021.
A 1966 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Steve served in the U.S. Navy from October of 1966 to June of 1972; having served in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Kearsarge. He returned to Ottumwa and farmed for over 50 years while working 30 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works.
In his retirement he enjoyed babysitting his grandchildren and attending all of their sporting and school events.
Surviving are his three children, Brenda (Mike) Jones, Jenny (Nathan) Joyce and James Haff all of Ottumwa five grandchildren, Trenton Jones, Lizzy Jones, Jacob Joyce, Matthew Joyce and Jaden Fisher; a sister, Joan (Mike) McMillin of Ottumwa; brothers-in-law, Larry Benge of Blakesburg, Ross Benge of Ottumwa and Jack (Nichole) Benge of Winterset.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tommy Haff, a sister, Nancy Alexander; and a grandson, Reese Jones.
His body has been cremated. Military services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Friday, January 9th at Reece Funeral Home. Following the honors, his family will be present to greet friends until 7 p.m. Friday.
Memorials may be made to Wapello County 4-H Expo.
