B. Lewrine Steffen, 94, of rural Elroy passed away Monday, June 4, 2012, at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, Wis.
She was born April 16, 1918, to Severt and Bertha (Jensen) Gronley in Fargo, N.D. Lewrine grew to adulthood near Elroy, attended Fowler Sherman School, graduated from Elroy High School in 1935, and received a business degree from a business college in Madison. Lewrine was united in marriage to Alvin Steffen on June 20, 1942, at Norwegian Lutheran Church in Elroy. He preceded her in death Sept. 26, 1999.
Lewrine worked as a secretary for the Department of Motor Vehicles and after marriage became a farm wife and raised her family. Family and church were very important in her life, with material things not being of significance. She was a faithful member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Elroy, also serving on Ladies Aide, and was secretary of the Sunday school at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She also served as a clerk on the town election board and enjoyed crocheting, working puzzles and playing cards.
Survivors include her loving family, Richard (Crystal) Steffen of Elroy, Phyllis (Rodney) Pasch of Fond du Lac, Wis., Diane (Jim) Garvin of Elroy, Bob Steffen of Elroy and Peggy (Kevin) Tainter of Ontario; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Alvin, she was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Grace Lutheran Church, with Rev. Wesley Dunbar officiating. Burial will be in Millards Prairie Cemetery, rural Elroy. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy from 4–7 p.m. Thursday. Memorials may be given for the Grace Lutheran Church roof fund or Hospice Touch of Tomah. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.
