Kathryn Pierce Steffen

Kathryn Jo Pierce Steffen was born April 2, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN, the only child of Esther and George Pierce. She joined her husband, Norm, in heaven on February 15, 2011. Kay passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in a residential memory care home in Leawood, KS. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, with a memorial service at 3:00. Burial will follow at Stoney Point Cemetery, south of Lawrence.

Kay spent most of her early years in Minneapolis, MN, where she graduated from West High School. She and her parents also lived in Brazil and the Washington, D.C. area due to her father’s work as a civil engineer with the U.S. Public Health Department. Kay was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma at DePauw University, where she graduated cum laude in 1950 with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Child Psychology and Welfare.

In 1951 she married Norm, the love of her life. They were practically inseparable for the next 58 years. They shared a love of music and enjoyed dancing together at every opportunity. Kay was partner and help mate to Norman as he pursued his ministry. Together they served congregations in Bismarck, ND, Davis, CA, Lawrence, KS, and DeKalb, IL. She most cherished her role as wife and mother of five children, but also enjoyed part-time secretarial work at University Lutheran, KU, and Northern Illinois University. In 1982 she received her M.S. in Human & Family Resources from NIU and worked at the Family Service Agency in DeKalb.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter Leilah Steffen, and most recently last September by her beloved husband. She is survived by five children: Nancy and Fred Anderson of Las Cruces, NM; David Steffen and Jill Kerr of Carrboro, NC; Carolyn Steffen and Julie Burik of Shawnee, KS; Suzanne Steffen and Bob Hyland of Kansas City, MO; Janice Steffen and Jan Madlock of Bonner Springs, KS; three sister-in-laws; thirteen grandchildren (Avery and Stephanie Demby; Jaimee and Earnest Harris; Ivy and Max Erude; Emerald Anderson; Jessie, Georgia, Zoemma and Louisa Steffen; Natalie and Liam Hyland; Mercedes, Hailie and Keani Steffen Madlock) and seven great-grandchildren (Kez, Kye, Dru, Cre, Ava, Isaiah, and Calvin).

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her name to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or to Odyssey Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

16 Condolences

  1. Betsey & Terri on February 16, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Dear Carolyn & family,
    We are so sorry for your loss, but know your mother is at peace in heaven with your father. Just know that we are thinking of you all in this sad time. “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” We know both your parents will always be present in your hearts. Peace, love and blessings to you all.



  2. Brenda and AJ on February 17, 2011 at 12:00 am

    We are thinking of you during this challenging time. How wonderful your mother was surrounded by those who loved her, and now she is with the love of her life forever! We love you!



  3. Sharon & Bill Yohn on February 17, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn and family: We send you our love at this sad time. You were always so sweet with your mom when she visited Colonial. You were a wonderful daughter.



  4. JoAnn Funk on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Dear Carolyn,
    You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers as you experience two great losses in such a short time. My heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. May your precious memories be a source of comfort to you as they have been for me in my recent deep loss.

    I’m looking forward to having dinner with you again the next time I visit Michelle and Julie.

    Love and sympathy,
    JoAnn



  5. Jen and Claire on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn and Family,
    We are sorry for your loss. You are all special people. Even though we did not know your mom well, she obviously was an amazing and loving person! You are in our thoughts and prayers.



  6. Carla and Capri on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have an amazing family, whom we adore. Celebrate and share her peace. Love you guys!



  7. Carla and Capri on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have an amazing family, whom we adore. Celebrate and share her peace. Love you guys!



  8. Tracee Borger on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family.



  9. Diane and Janell Waters and Family on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Sorry seems so inadequate. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope your great and fun memories will help you all through the most difficult times.



  10. Darlene on February 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn and family–I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel God’s love and may he give you peace. May the fond, loving memories of your mother comfort you in the days ahead.



  11. Julie and Lisa on February 19, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn we have had the pleasure of knowning you and your sisters Jan and Suzie. We only got to meet your parents a few times but you all represent them very well. We are so sorry for your loss and hope and pray you will be comforted by the many wonderful memories you can share with each other. Our love to you all.



  12. Julie and Lisa on February 19, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn we have had the pleasure of knowning you and your sisters Jan and Suzie. We only got to meet your parents a few times but you all represent them very well. We are so sorry for your loss and hope and pray you will be comforted by the many wonderful memories you can share with each other. Our love to you all.



  13. Jenny Maddson Mescher on February 20, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Word can’t express how sorry I am for your losses. It seems that the love your parents had for each other transcended this world. They raised a wonderful family. May you draw comfort from one another and those that love you.



  14. Cheri Van Orman on February 20, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn and Julie,
    I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Carolyn, your kindness and compassion are obviously a reflection of your parents and their love for one another and for their family. What a wonderful gift they gave you! With love,
    Cheri



  15. Cheri Van Orman on February 20, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Carolyn and Julie,
    I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Carolyn, your kindness and compassion are obviously a reflection of your parents and their love for one another and for their family. What a wonderful gift they gave you! With love,
    Cheri



  16. Katie Wiegele on February 21, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Janice and family, I will always remember your mother in your house in DeKalb, taking care of everyone like a mother hen, and her sweet smile and kind eyes. Your mother’s dedication and loyalty and your parents’ love for each other was a model to all of us. All my love to you,
    Katie



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