UNION GROVE – LeeRoy H. Steffens, 90, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family on October 8, 2016 at the Union Grove Veterans Home. He was born August 29, 1926 to Theodore and Hilda (nee Verseman) Steffens in Seventy-Six, Missouri. LeeRoy married Bernice Fritsche on May 19, 1951 at Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar, Missouri. During their 65-year marriage, they raised four children and traveled to all 50 states and 13 countries. LeeRoy was a Navy Veteran and a member of the Union Grove Bixby-Hansen American Legion Post #171. He served as Commander, Adjutant, member of the Honor Guard, and on the kitchen crew. He was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church serving as an Elder, Trustee, and Sunday School Superintendent. LeeRoy also volunteered at the Lutheran High School Thrift Shop. LeeRoy worked at Pure Milk Association, owned a restaurant in Adams County, and retired as a maintenance man for Maple Leaf Farms. After retirement, he and Bernice enjoyed 18 winters in Florida. LeeRoy enjoyed listening to music, playing cards, hunting, and fishing.

LeeRoy is survived by his wife, Bernice; their children, David Lee (Kay) Steffens, Gary Roy (Renee) Steffens, Karen Lee Badtke, and Kevin Roy Steffens; their grandchildren, Brian Steffens, Scott Steffens, Jennifer (Aaron) Trimmer, Amanda (Matthew) Fix, Melissa (Josef) Staniszewski, Christina (Michael) Griffis, Jason (Lindsey) Badtke, Christopher (Susan) Badtke; and great-grandchildren; Alexandra Trimmer, Hunter Fix, and Joseph Staniszewski. He is also survived by his siblings, Opal Mahnken, Cletus (Ruby) Steffens, Robert (Norma Jean) Steffens, and his in-laws Leroy and Lois Fritsche and Lloyd and Peggy Fritsche.

LeeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Hilda, his parents-in-laws, Otto andRosa Fritsche, his sister, Elaine Hadler-Davis; and his brothers-in-law, Leonard Mahnken, Harold Hadler, and Harold Davis.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016 from 10 am-12 pm with a service of worship to follow at 12:30 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Union Grove. Burial with full military honors will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery following the service.

Please make memorial donations in his name to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Organ Fund or to Lutheran High School. Our family would like to thank Pastor Ramirez for his visits and comfort .

Thank you to the caring staff of Union Grove Vete rans Home for taking such wonderful care of LeeRoy for over five years. There are truly angels among us.