Raymond Emil Steffes, age 91 of Lena, (formerly of Massbach) IL, passed away on January 9, 2014 at the Lena Living Center. He was born February 5, 1922 in Derinda Township near Massbach, son of Fred and Clara (Mattke) Steffes. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Massbach. Raymond attended the Mt. Rose country school.
On January 1, 1944 Raymond married Florence Musser at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Massbach. They had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
They farmed most of their married life in the Massbach area. He also worked at the Elizabeth Sales Barn and enjoyed working with both the cattle and area farmers. He enjoyed farm life and was proud of his AC-D14 tractor. He also enjoyed helping in the garden and playing 500 with card club. In 2010 he and Florence moved to the Lena Living Center and bingo became his new favorite game.
He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Peggy (Ronald) Beyer, one son, James (Mildred) Steffes. Grandchildren Daniel Beyer, Lynnell Beyer, Benjamin (Danyel) Steffes and a great-granddaughter Izabella May Steffes. Other survivors are Dennis (Jane) and Darcy Steffes, a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law R. Earl and Mildred Farringer and sister-in-law Ellinoir Musser. Preceded him in death were his parents, an infant daughter, Patsy, his brother LeVere and brother-in-law Ora Musser.
The funeral service will be held Monday, January 13th at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Massbach. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Johns Lutheran cemetery in Massbach.