Donald Steffen

Donald Anthony Steffen, 2nd of 7 children born to Louis and Catherine Steffen passed away peacefully on April 3, 2019 one day after his 89th birthday at the Washington State Soldiers Home in Orting, WA where he has resided since 1992. He suffered a stroke in May 2018 which began his slow physical decline. In spite of the physical assault on his health his mind remained sharp, his sense of humor intact, as well as his thick black legendary flat top crewcut hairdo. He is preceded in death by his sons John (1957-1979) and Joel (1972-2011), his brothers Alfred, Charles, Leander and his sister Armella. Surviving him are his daughters Doreen (Gary) Oakes of Renton, Dayle (Paul) Terrile of Spokane, two siblings Charlotte of Federal Way, and David (Dee) of Norfolk, NE, and 7 grandchildren; Ileah, Jarrett, Zoe, Vincent, Zander, Gianna, and Ava. In 1952 Don enlisted in the Army and was stationed with the 10th infantry division at Fort Riley, Kansas. After basic training he served in the Korean War where he fought in the fox holes as a machine gunner on the front lines. The "Punch Bowl" and "White Horse" are only two of several engagements Don participated in while assigned to the 223rd Infantry, 40th Division in KOREA. His 8 year enlistment was cut short when the Korean War ended in 1954. This also put a halt to his upcoming promotion to Sergeant. Thus, as a Corporal he was honorably discharged in 1954 with awards; the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Korean Service Medal, and 3 Bronze Stars. Catholic Mass Services will be held on April 26 at 11:00 AM at All Saints Catholic Church in Puyallup, WA with a reception luncheon following in the 39ers room at the church. After the reception will be the interment at Woodbine Cemetery at 2:00 pm in Puyallup with military honors (where his two sons are buried). All Saints Catholic Church 503 3rd Street SW Puyallup, WA 98371 Woodbine Cemetery 2323 9th Street SW Puyallup, WA 98373 Questions or condolences may be sent to daughters Doreen Oakes or Dayle Terrile. Doreen Oakes 2204 Camas Cir SE Renton, WA 98055, Email: doreenmoakes@gmail.com Dayle Terrile 13305 S. Sherman Rd Spokane, WA 99224, Email: dmterrile@hotmail.com