Dan, age 77, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 with his wife Susan and daughter Julie by his side. Dan was born on May 24, 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Elmer and Lydia (Knispel) Steffen. The family later moved and settled in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Dan graduated from Bergenfield High School in 1964 and attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business.
He began his career with Burroughs Corp, Datapoint, and then spent 20 years with A.A.L/Thrivent. On July 12, 1969 he married Susan Cordes, his high school sweetheart, and in 1974 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Julie. Dan raised his family in Mahwah, New Jersey, but from 1980-1982 Dan took a leave of absence from Datapoint and traveled with his family to Jos, Nigeria. Working with the Missouri Synod Board for Missions, Dan and Sue became houseparents for 30 children ages 5-18.
Dan fulfilled his life volunteering where he could. Becoming a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins opened up many opportunities. He enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity in both Fort Collins and New Mexico. Dan ventured to Texas and Florida on two hurricane relief trips, volunteered with Serve 6.8, Meals on Wheels, and Front Porch Ministry. Dan loved spending his summers at their lake cottage in Maine with family and friends, fishing for bass, and later fly-fishing in Colorado. Dan's faith and love of family was strong. In 2012 they moved to Colorado to be near family, spending precious time with granddaughters, Emily and Alison. Dan and Sue's 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated in Maui with their family.
In addition to his loving wife, Susan of 54 years, Dan was survived by his daughter Julie (Rick) Heath of Niwot, CO, granddaughters Emily and Alison, his sister Jeanne Howell of Long Valley, NJ, brother Jack (Marolyn) Steffen of Valparaiso, IN, and his sister Lorli Steffen of Saddle Brook, NJ.
Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief in Dan's name. Please follow the link provided to donate:
http://tinyurl.com/LWRDL
A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (7755 Greenstone Trail, Ft. Collins, CO) on Monday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. lnurnment will follow at the Redeemer Columbarium. A light luncheon will be served. If you are unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to watch it by going to our website at
www.redeemerconnect.com
and clicking on the "Watch Live" button. Or, go directly to
https://live.redeemerconnect.com/