William Steffey

William W. Steffey, 85, a resident of rural Avilla and long-time Noble County farmer, passed away at 7:50 a. m. on Friday, July 15, 2011, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Mr. Steffey was born on April 17, 1926 in Mankato, Minnesota, a son of Vern J. and Maude (Neuhouser) Steffey, and moved to Noble County as a child with his parents in 1929. He married Mary Leslie in 1957, and spent all of his adult life in Noble County, where he was engaged in farming and also worked as a machinist. A fan of railroad history, he was a member of the Garrett Railroad Historical Society, collected antique railroad lanterns, and restored the motor car for the Garrett Railroad Museum. Mrs. Steffey preceded him in death in 1986. The surviving relatives include his partner Gail M. Olson of Avilla; two children Andrew J. (Jennifer) Steffey of Albion and Cindy (Dan) Chalfant of Land-O-Lakes, Fla; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Warner J. Steffey. At the request of Mr. Steffey, there will be no services or calling hours. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, INe 46814. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements. ***************************************** To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Steffey's memory, please click on "Condolences" below. . .