Berton Steffen

Berton L. Steffen
King, WI

Age 80, died Wednesday October 23, 2002 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. He was born October 9, 1922 to the late Louis and Emma (Heiman) Steffen in Appleton.
Berton entered military service on October 23, 1940, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He was assigned to heavy anti-aircraft duty. He was with the 9th Air Force in Europe with an Ack-Ack gun battalion and took part in the invasion of Normandy and served with both the FIRST ARMY and the NINTH AIR FORCE. He had been in the service five years, with 18 months of that time in Iceland. In February of 1945 he was injured in a convoy/tram accident which led to his honorable discharge in September of 1945. His unit was cited twice by Prince Charles of Belgium for playing a heroic part in the anti-aircraft defense in holding open the harbor of ANTWERP in November of 1944 (and sparing many civilian lives and Allied troops) through their increasing efforts. The second Citation was in December of 1944 for heroic action in liberating action or protection of the harbor in ANTWERP, thus getting supplies of ammunitions to five Allied Armies.
He is survived by a son, Anthony B. (Sally) Steffen of Greenville, WI; two daughters, Lorna (Robert) Klemp and Deborah Steffen of Appleton. He will also be greatly missed by three sisters, Lilas Lipske and Jean Steffen of Appleton, and Marilyn Helms of Brandenton, Florida. Berton leaves four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, three sisters and two brothers.
The Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Friday, October 25, 2002 at the AINSWORTH HALL CHAPEL in King, WI with Chaplain Tracy Hamelink officiating. Viewing and Visitation will also be Friday in the Ainsworth Hall Chapel from 10:00 AM until the time of service. A Memorial is being established in his name.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhome.com