Leola Steffens

Leola Steffens, 86, Fairmount, ND passed away on September 14, 2014 at her home under the care of her family and Riveredge Hospice after a seven year battle with multiple myeloma. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, September 18, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Fairmount, ND with Father Scott Sautner officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 PM to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Willow Creek Chapel, Wahpeton, ND. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Fairmount, ND. Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lake Region Cancer Center, Fergus Falls, MN.
Leola was born on January 21, 1928 in Fairmount, ND to Harry and Alvina (Wettstein) Gebhart. She was raised and attended school in Fairmount and graduated from Fairmount High School in 1946. During her high school years she worked for Cudahy's wrapping butter. After graduating from high school she worked for Moon's Grocery and the Red Owl Store.
Leola was united in marriage to Delmer "Stuffy" Steffens on April 4, 1953 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. She lived her entire life in Fairmount and raised her five children there.
Leola was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, St. Ann's Alter Society, and Fairmount Homemakers. As a member of the Homemakers she was proud to be a part of starting a kindergarten program in a church in Fairmount. She was an avid bowler, being a Doubles State Champion in 1969, enjoyed walking and riding bike, loved flowers and baking, but especially loved the time spent with her family and close friend Dar.
Leola is survived by her husband, Delmer "Stuffy" Steffens, Fairmount; her children, Kirby (Bev) Steffens, Fairmount, Lori (Wayne) Miller, Fairmount, Monty (Joni) Steffens, Sartell, MN, Marty Steffens, Fargo, ND; her daughter-in-law, Judy Steffens, Wahpeton, ND; her grandchildren, Ryan (Nichole) Steffens, Lonnie (Kris) Morgan, Russ (Lisa) Steffens, Jordan Steffens, Jade Steffens, Angela Skarphol, Travis Miller, Cassie Miller, Nick Steffens, and Alex Steffens; her great grandchildren, Brayden, Asher, Tristin, Zaina, Keira, Sadie, Kiley, Jaxon, and Bo; and her sister, Ann Miller, Mesa, AZ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alvina Gebhart, her son, Randy Steffens, her grandsons-in-law, Trevor Skarphol, Staff Sgt David Kuehl, her brother, Leonard "Fritz" Gebhart, and her sister, Charlotte Schmit.
Leola will be remembered for her welcoming personality, big heart, and her "fingernails".