Richard J. Steffens

Richard J. Steffens, Attorney
Menasha

Age 86, former City of Menasha Attorney, passed away on Wednesday January 2, 2008. Richard was born in Neenah on August 23, 1921, son of the late Charles and Mary (Kurowski) Steffens. Richard was a former State Assemblyman for two terms from 1947-49, who authored Wisconsin's anti-pollution law. He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre, plus espionage activity with the British S.I.S. and French Military. The government of France awarded Richard the highest Military decoration of Honor, the Cruix de Guerre, for risking his life to protect French lives. Richard was a graduate as well as Valedictorian of Menasha High School Class of 1939. He was also awarded the American Bronze Star for bravery. He was a member of the American Legion, past State Vice-Commander, VFW member, Menasha Germania Society, the Eagles, Isaac Walton League, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was President of the Winnebago County Bar Association and a member of the Wisconsin School Attorneys Association. He was the former dean of the Forest County Bar Association. Richard was the City of Menasha Attorney for 32 years and served as legal counsel for the Menasha Water and Light Commission and the Menasha Joint School District School Board. A highlight of Richard's career was winning two, back to back Wisconsin State Supreme Court decisions in one day. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed spending time daily with his son and best friend, Richard Jr. reading publications on Economics and keeping abreast of political developments. Richard is survived by his wife Rose, a son Richard Steffens, Jr., Menasha; a sister Marion (Elmer) Jandourek, Menasha; many nieces and nephews, and a special friend of the family, Jerry Van Dyn Hoven, Kaukauna. He is also survived by his life long friend, Roman Rappert (M Chief 1). He is preceded in death by a brother, Howard Steffens, and a sister Dorothy Rehfeldt. The family would like to thank the Baker family for all their prayers, and to the Van Dyn Hoven Automotive group staff.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday January 8, 2008 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 226 Washington St., Menasha, with Fr. Ed Smith officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:30 am until the time of services. Richard's burial with full Military Honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. There will also be a chapel service at Fort Meyers, Virginia. A memorial is being established.

Richards favorite Scripture: 2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
Tri County Chapel
3212 South Oneida St.
Menasha 831-9905
www.wichmannfargo.com