Ruth Ann Steffen
Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth Ann Steffen, 72, of Menominee were held on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Menominee. Burial was in the parish cemetery in Menominee. Visitation was on Sunday, July 11, at church, from 2 to 5 p.m. with a Chaplet, Rosary and Vigil Service at 3 p.m. Visitation continued on Monday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Pallbearers were Brodie Christensen, Parker Steffen, Dylan Steffen, Chris Steffen, Hunter Antrobus, Breanna Stakemiller, Travis Lowery, Clara Steffen, Luxi Aguirre. Honorary pallbearers were Ruth Ann’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Steffen died on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at her residence surrounded by her husband and all nine of her children after a seven-week battle with cancer.
Ruth Ann was born on March 30, 1949, to Ralph T. and Clara (Perk) Kleinschmit at her grandpa Perk’s farm house west of Crofton. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic grade school and Mount Marty High School (MMHS) in Yankton. In her younger years, Ruth babysat and cleaned houses, worked at the Treasure Chest gift shop, Stupenagels Hatchery and Red Owl grocery. Ruth had thoughts of going into the medical field until she met the love of her life, Roman John Steffen, on Nov. 5, 1965, at an MMHS event and asked him to dance. They married on Dec. 28, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton. She and Roman had 11 children. Her medical dream was put into practice by caring for her own children. Ruth was a stay at home mom and homeschooled five of her children. Roman's farming jobs took them from Yankton to Scotland, SD, then Bloomfield and Creighton, finally making their permanent home near her Kleinschmit grandparents' homestead of Menominee. She lived a life of service to her family, church and community. Faith and family was her focus. She attended kids' and grandkids' music, sporting, awards and theatre events. With her sewing, crocheting, knitting and embroidery talents, she created many gifts for family and friends. She loved cooking, canning, gardening and flowers. All who dropped by were welcome around her table to enjoy a meal and were often sent home with something fresh from the garden or baked goods, as well as a big hug, "I love you!" and "Guardian Angels go with you!" Ruth loved the Eucharist, attending daily Mass, and was devoted to the Blessed Mother Mary, the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. She held an hour of adoration for many years. She belonged to Christian Mothers, a Charismatic Prayer Group, two church choirs. She cared for her elderly great-aunt and visited nursing home residents, was the head of the funeral committee, a church money counter, and a sacristan. Jesus rewarded and blessed her with a holy death surrounded by her family in prayer.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Roman, of Menominee; four daughters, Mary (Ben) Rodgers of Ankeny, IA, and Carol Christensen, Sara (Nick) Antrobus and Jennifer (Ryan) Aguirre, all of Yankton; five sons, Louis (Sonja) Steffen of Hartington, Daryl (Renee) Steffen Wichita Falls, TX, Tom (Toria) Steffen of Akron, IA, Bill (Christina) Steffen of Osmond, and Pete (Nancy) Steffen of Volin, SD; 30 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Kathy (Chip) Brewer and Barb Hansen, both of Yankton; three brothers, Joe (Bobbie) Kleinschmit of Yankton, Kevin (Deb) Kleinschmit of Menominee and Frank (Roberta) Kleinschmit of St. Helena, many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Clara (Perk) Kleinschmit; two sons, John R. Steffen on July 6, 1987, and Christopher P. Steffen on Jan. 15, 1987; five premature births – AnnaMarie, Barb, Bob, Don and Donna; mother- and father-in-law, Coletta (Maly) and Gilbert Steffen; son-in-law, Barry Christensen; daughter-in-law, Becky (Antrobus) Steffen; premature grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Ole Hansen.
