Carol Jean Steffen

Carol Jean Steffen, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday evening, May 29, 2014 surrounded by loving family and treasured memories.

Carol was born in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin on January 16, 1931. She was the eldest of Stanley and Gladys DuQuette’s three children (Carol, Donna and Thomas). Carol graduated from Fond Du Lac high school in 1948.

Carol married Ralph H. Steffen on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, 1950 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin at St. Louis church. They enjoyed 63+ years of marriage, 5 children (Mary, John, Paul, Anne and Cora) and countless summer vacations camping across the country.

Carol had a deep faith. Along with her husband, Ralph, she coordinated the teen religious education program at Our Lady of Peace parish in Sepulveda, California. Later, Carol taught the first communion class for several years at the same parish and eventually became a Master Catechist.

Carol worked as a personal and commercial lines underwriter for several insurance agencies during her 20 years in the insurance industry.

Carol joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, in short, because “Ralph needed a treasurer.” Carol served not only as treasurer but also as editor of the flotilla’s newsletter. She teamed with other auxiliarists to teach boating safety classes to children and adults. Carol ultimately served as flotilla commander for 1 1/2 years.

Carol liked “crafting,” but her real passion was sewing. Over the years, countless items were made ranging from aprons (as presents for little girl’s birthday parties), halloween costumes (for children and grandchildren), young men’s suits (for graduations), dresses (wedding, bridesmaid, & others), curtains, throw pillows and everything in between. It was never difficult or a chore for her to sew something. It didn’t matter if there wasn’t an exact pattern - she could make one. And, boy, was she fast - she never missed one deadline, no matter how late she was told. In recent years, Carol took several quilting classes to learn how to do some of the more intricate quilting designs.

Throughout the years, one of her favorite activities was making Christmas cookies with her grandchildren. Using the family’s collection of vintage dresses, Carol put on fashion shows to raise money for local churches and charities. Her children knew to call her when her favorite song ‘I could have danced all night’ played on the radio or TV.

Carol was creative, outgoing, had a head for numbers and had a strong belief in the faith of her Church - all qualities that she passed on to her children.

Surviving are her husband, Ralph Steffen, her children: Mary (David) Richter, John (Barbara) Steffen, Paul (Stephani) Steffen, Anne (Ross) Sheppard, Cora (Antony) Barran; her grandchildren: Bryan Richter, Nicholas (Veronica) Richter, Claire (Donnie) Short, Ryan (Tiffany) Steffen, Garrett (Jackie) Steffen, Gina Steffen, Richard Barran, Nicholas Steffen, Marguerite “Maggie” Barran; her great-grandchildren: Matthew, Sally, Isabella (Steffen), Isabella (Short), Chloe and Logan; her brother: Thomas (Joyce) DuQuette; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends - too numerous to mention all by name. Carol was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and David Zehren.

Arrangements under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge, CA.