Wally Steffen

Wood River:

Wally Steffen, 92, passed away at 10:23am on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his residence. He was born on February 9, 1931, in Desoto, Missouri, the son of the late Bert and Nelli (Christi) Steffen. He married the former Bonna J. Stone on July 21, 1951, in Wood River, and she preceded him in death on December 11, 2011. Survivors include a son and daughter in law: Michael and Pauline Steffen of Livingston, Texas, a sister and brother in law: Virginia and Bob Dake of Wood River, a brother: Warren Steffen of Rosewood Heights, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Wally was employed as a supervisor at Owens – Illinois Glass Works for over thirty years prior to his retirement. In 1948, Wally set a single season record for most points scored in football at Roxana High School with 145 points. That season record stood until 2014 when a Roxana running back scored 146 points in a season. He was a member of the Wood River Masonic Lodge #1062 A.F. & A.M. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson: Eric Steffen, his sisters: Bernice Fraser, Venida Shaw, Roberta Graham, his brothers: Howard Steffen, Eugene Steffen, Gerald Steffen, and Eddie Steffen.

In celebration of Wally's life, a memorial gathering will be held from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Rox - Arena in Roxana.  Terry Gensin will speak at 12pm.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.