Harvey A. Steffen, 83, of Shawano, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
Harvey was born Jan. 13, 1932, in Wausau to Harvey and Margaret (Voelske) Steffen. He graduated from Wausau High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree. He later earned his master’s degree in school administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Harvey was united to Maralyn Bramer on Aug. 6, 1955, in Wausau. He started his career in the Shawano School District as a math teacher in 1955 and later served as the principal of the schools in Neopit, Keshena, Franklin Middle School and Olga Brener Elementary School. He retired after more than 35 years in the Shawano School District.
Harvey was a devoted educator both in his career and his volunteer activities. He served on many committees, including the boards of the Shawano library, Navarino Nature Center, the county long-term support committee and the Shawano County Retired Teachers Association. After retirement, he continued to contribute to the schools as a volunteer in the Junior Achievement program. He played clarinet in the Shawano summer band with his son and grandson. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Shawano.
Harvey liked nothing better than to be in a boat fishing on Shawano Lake or Up North with his family. He was a gifted woodworker, often designing and building custom pieces for his family. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his grandchildren. Harvey had an exceptional gift for connecting to kids and young adults. He often heard from former students that he had made a positive impact on their life.
Harvey is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maralyn; two sons, Randy (Ann) and David, of Shawano; one daughter, Lisa, of Shawano; one sister, Marilynn, of Wausau; seven grandchildren, Scott, of Green Bay, Ryan, of Shawano, Jacob, Caytlin, Rachel, Nathan and Seth, all of Franklin; and one son-in-law, Mat, of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Cindy and his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Gisele Berninghaus officiating, with burial in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and again at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The family would like to express their thanks to Hospice and the second-floor staff at Shawano Medical Center for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Harvey during his stay, and to Kindred Hearts of Shawano for the wonderful care he received and for making him feel at home.