Clarence Steffes

Clarence William Steffes, 89, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and parish priests.

Clarence was born on August 21, 1935, in Granville, Iowa, to Michael and Catherine (Ahlers) Steffes. In 1936, the family moved to a farm near Arthur, North Dakota, and later to LaMoure in 1945. It was there that Clarence began farming alongside his father and eventually took over the family farm at the age of 18.

On January 16, 1960, Clarence married the love of his life, Mar-Jo Louise Hess, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in LaMoure. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work, raising nine children and opening their hearts and home to seven foster children.

Clarence was a true steward of the land. In addition to farming, he was a talented mechanic and handyman, maintaining his own equipment and homestead. He also sold DB Green and corn seed for many years and was actively involved in his community. He served on the LaMoure County School Board, the Holy Rosary Cemetery Board, and was a proud member of the Stockman Association for 50 years. Clarence was also a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years.

After retiring in 2009 at the age of 74, Clarence and Mar-Jo moved to Bismarck, but retirement didn’t slow him down. Attending daily Mass was a cherished and regular part of his life. He also loved to learn and bought his first laptop in his 80’s and would often be found in his recliner googling and reading/researching. He had a lifelong love of music and played the accordion in his younger years. He found great joy in listening to his grandchildren sing and play the violin and piano. Clarence also loved to dance and continued to do so for as long as he was able. He enjoyed traveling in his earlier years, and even in retirement, he rarely passed up a chance to go for a drive in the countryside. His family remained very important to him. He took an active and heartfelt interest in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren– whether it was engaging in conversations about their special interests, helping with projects, or supporting their various activities.

Above all, Clarence was a deeply faith-filled and loving man with a kind and generous spirit. He had an unwavering love for his family, friends, and neighbors, and he lit up every room with his smile. He had a genuine interest in others, always ready to share a story, crack a joke, or simply sit and visit. His warmth and presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew him.

Clarence leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Mar-Jo, his children: Timothy Steffes, Hazen, ND, Dorothy (Tom) Storick of Bismarck, ND, Duane (Patty) Steffes of Bismarck, ND, John (Cindy) Steffes of Lisbon, ND, Nathan Steffes of LaMoure, ND, Shawn (Holly) Steffes of LaMoure, ND, MaryJo (Brett) Anderson of Bismarck, ND, and Julie Steffes of Bismarck, ND, 29 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his son Calvin Steffes, his daughter-in-law, Tayla Steffes, his siblings & their spouses: Bernice & John Watkins, Florence & Wilfred Schmidt, Lorraine & Elmer Quinlan, Irene & Ed Prochniak, Leo & Lois Steffes, and Alice Jean & Frank Gentzkow, his parents, Michael & Catherine Steffes, and step-mother, Mary (Sheehan) Steffes.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bismarck, ND with a prayer service/rosary at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bismarck, ND. Burial will be held at 4:00 pm on July 2, 2025 at Holy Rosary Cemetery, LaMoure, ND.