Obituary of John Steffes

John Irvin Steffes was born in Trenton, Michigan on May 15, 1943. He was one of four children born from the union of the late Jack Steffes and Mary (Wurth) Steffes. John graduated from Trenton High School with the Class of 1961. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from June 11, 1962 until August 12, 1966. John married the love of his life the former Rita Nunez on August 26, 1967 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. From this union the couple was blessed with the birth of a daughter, Raquel (Kelly). John earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University while working for American Airline. He would spend more than thirty years in education in numerous administrative positions, retiring as Principal of Trenton High School. For many years, John was a huge fan and devoted supporter of Trenton High School sports. John and Rita had a very special relationship. They loved to travel and visited many places throughout the world including Australia, Italy, Hawaii, and Alaska. Of all the places John visited his favorite city in the world was New York City. Family was important to John. Every two years the extended family would take a Caribbean cruise to catch up and enjoy each other's company. John was also an avid golfer playing in many leagues throughout the years. John Irvin Steffes, age 71, of Carleton passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 1, 2014 with his loving family by his side. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to his father: Jack in 1967; his mother: Mary in 2003; his passing was preceded by his wife: Rita on February 24, 2012. To cherish his memory, John leaves his daughter: Raquel "Kelly" Steffes (Gerald Colemon) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; three sisters: Constance (Bob) Kanwieski, Beverly (Richard) Davis, and Pamela Ashley; a brother-in-law David (Barbara) Nunez; and a sister-in-law: Ann Nunez. Friends may gather at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 127 North Monroe Street on Friday, December 5, 2014 for a memorial Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am. Private burial will take place at a later date at St. Patrick Cemetery in Carleton where he will be laid to rest with his beloved Rita. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort to share a photo at www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes Page.