Obituary of Anthony Steffes

Anthony Joseph Steffes was born at home in Monroe, Michigan on June 3, 1924. He was the son of the late Fredrick Steffes and the late Magdalene (Eby) Steffes. He attended grade school at St. Michaels's and served as an Altar boy. Tony while serving as an Altar boy at the age of 14 would meet his future spouse, the former Betty Vincent, who was 11. He attended Monroe High School. Tony served his country honorably as a member of the United States Navy. He served active from August of 1945 until September 1946, and then he spent five years as a member of the Naval Reserves. Tony and Betty would be united in holy matrimony on June 25, 1947 at St. John the Baptist in Monroe. He was a devout Catholic and prayed the Our Father and recited the Rosary for strength very regularly. The couple attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. Tony worked in the wood department for the La-Z-Boy Company for thirteen years. He later spent five years working for his wife as a bus driver for Lake Erie Transit. In 1999, Tony and Betty moved to Florida. While in Florida he was a member of the Catholic War Veterans and the Knights of Columbus Council #2505 both in Lakeland, Florida. Anthony "Tony" Steffes age 86 of Monroe passed away at 11:47pm, Friday, August 6, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by five siblings: He leaves to cherish his memory a wife of 63 years: Betty of Monroe; three children: Thomas (Colleen) Steffes of Lakeland, Florida, Susan (David) Pierce of Mulberry, Florida, and Patrick (Susan) Steffes of Monroe; two sisters: Sister Ann Catherine of Mt. Morris, Michigan and Tereasa Tibai of Norvell, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and five great granddaughters. He will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Thursday, August 12, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2238 Manhattan Street in Erie, Michigan. Father Fred Kalaj pastor of the church will officiate. Internment will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Memorial donations are suggested to the Steffes Family.