Donald R. Steffen, 67, Rockford

Donald R. “Don” Steffen, 67, Rockford, formerly of Woodstock, died Jan. 3, 2016, in Alpine Fireside Health Center. 

He was born Sept. 9, 1948, to Walter and Bertha (Wienke) Steffen in Woodstock. 

On July 8, 1972, he married Ruth Mahnke at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rockford. 

He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1966. He then attended the University of Houston. His education was interrupted by U.S. Army service. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a radio operator and was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals. After his discharge, he attended Herzing Institute in Rockford where he met his future wife. 

He completed his education at Northern Illinois University. His entire career was in the computer field. The last 20 years he was employed at UDL Labs in Rockford. He worked his way to IT manager, and in 1996 he was named Manager of the Year. 

He was an avid golfer and very proud of the hole-in-one he made at Sandy Hollow Golf Course, Rockford. Photography was his hobby and his pictures of flowers are majestic. He had many memories of his days of travel in the U.S. and overseas. 

His photography skills were tested during his travels to Germany and its cathedrals and to Holland during the tulip season. His last river cruise was to Russia, where he toured Red Square and the Kremlin, followed by the majestic structures in St. Petersburg. His travels offered unimaginable photographic opportunities. The photographs are forever reminders of happy times for his family. 

He was a very active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rockford, where he served as a trustee and usher for many years.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Tim (Nicole), Hartland, Wis., and Erich, Rockford; a brother, David (Connie); three grandchildren, Megan, Max and Hannah; and four nephews, Randy (Liz) Steffen and Ken, Ron (Debbie), Don (Valerie) and Jerry Mahnke. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill; and an infant sister. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave. , Rockford, and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 827 16th St., Rockford, prior to the funeral at noon. The Rev. Paul Krause will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.