Ronald Albert Steffes

December 14, 1947- January 26, 2022

Ronald Albert Steffes, 74, Springfield, Missouri, passed away suddenly at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at his home from a tragic accident. He was the beloved and devoted husband of Sheila Steffes of 51 years of marriage. He was born December 14, 1947, in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Albert and Irene Steffes of Alta, in the beautiful farm country of Iowa, and was the oldest of six children. He was baptized as a baby and confirmed in his Christian faith. His father Albert was a strong, hard-working, kind, family man who was devout Catholic and avid hunter. His mother Irene, is a kind-hearted, giving, determined, strong-willed, caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. At age 94, she continues to live in Iowa as a wonderful, devoted Christian and woman of God.

Ron was a talented long distance track star from Alta High School who still today holds his record for his 4 minutes 27 second mile! He worked all through school, farming and hunting for his family, while attending South Dakota State and ran for the Jackrabbits where he was 1.1 second away from the cross-country Little All-American title to go onto the Olympics. He felt a calling to his county and enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1968. He was soon sent to Vietnam, earning a national defense service metal, the purple heart, sharpshooter rifle badge, Vietnam service metal, Combat action ribbon, and multiple other accolades for saving his entire platoon after getting shot while fighting for his country. He held on fighting for his life through a Malarial fever to get back home to his family while on the U.S.S. Sanctuary for 2 weeks, then in Yokosuka, Japan for 4-6 weeks, until recovering in Chicago for another 6 weeks before getting back to the heartland of the Midwest, his parents and soon-to-be fiancé, Sheila Ammons. They met on a blind date, and it was love at first sight! They were married November 14, 1970, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee, Iowa. They invested in livestock and became one of the most reputable pampered pork producers in the Iowa region.

In 1978, Ron and Sheila had a farming business opportunity near Clinton, Missouri and decided to move away from the cold weather and snow to Springfield, Missouri, where they continued to raise their two daughters, Jennifer and Molly in the beautiful Ozarks. Ron enjoyed being an active Dad and he was one of the best. He had a calm way with kids, and they knew he was secretly the biggest kid in the room! His time with Sheila on the many beautiful beaches of Hawaii, were some of his favorite memories. He knew the importance of family time and had boats with their good friends at Table Rock Lake, where Ron was excellent at the solemn coarse, he was also known to wear his cowboy hat while snow skiing all over the Colorado Rockies even in his 70s with his grandchildren. He loved the many hunting and fishing trips with his buddies, hiking in the woods, playing tennis with his wife, and having fun walking his many Labradors.

He could shoot a bow with the accuracy of a real-pro. He was a true outdoorsman, a conversationist, a patriot, and an entrepreneur before his time. He spent many years in real estate with Keller Williams Reality as an owner, a mentor and broker. Ron had multiple awards in sales in real estate and was one of the top producers in the region. Ron was involved in Team National, a network marketing business for 23 years with his wife, Sheila, where they met so many of their close friends and were awarded the prestigious Eagle award for top sales and spoke to thousands of people with their life story motivating them and helping them achieve financial freedom while having fun.

The love for his wife and family was immeasurable. He was very involved in his community, in politics, and an active member of Cornerstone Church and James River Church in Springfield, Missouri. Ron knew that having a personal relationship with God was the most important. He was a man that walked the Christian walk and was a true "family man"! He cherished his grandchildren Bella and Sam. They were his side-kicks. You could often see him taking them fishing at a nearby pond, picking them up in the school car line or cheering them on the side- lines of soccer and tennis. Papa could always put a smile on your face just when you needed it. You will be forever missed and remembered by all! Thank you for teaching us all to take the time for others, making a difference with everything he touched.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sheila Steffes; his daughters, Jennifer Steffes Passanise, Molly Marie Steffes and sons-in-law Jeffrey Reed and Joseph Passanise, Springfield, Missouri. Ron is also survived by his mother Irene Ann Halbur Steffes, Lake View, Iowa, his brother James Steffes and wife Patsy of Bonne Terre, Missouri; his two grandchildren; Isabella Marie Passanise and Joseph Samuel Passanise II of Springfield, Missouri; his brothers-in-law, Mark Ammons and wife Deb of Sioux City, Iowa; Tracy Ammons and wife Brenda of Lexington, South Carolina, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Albert Steffes, brothers Brian, Larry, Steve, sister Sheryl Ann and parents-in-law Max and Peggy Ammons of Aurela, Iowa.

Ron loved the Lord with all of his heart and soul. He left a legacy of knowledge and faith of Jesus Christ to his children and grandchildren. He was the kindest man, who always thought of others before himself. He brought joy and laughter everywhere he went and never met a stranger. He made this world a better place and had immense patience like Job! He always said, "It's a great day in the Ozarks" … and always had a story to tell to win friends and influence people.

Visitation services will be held Monday, January 31, 2022, from 5:30-8:00 at James River Church South in Ozark, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 1:00pm at James River Church South in Ozark, Missouri. Ron will be buried with Military Honors at a private ceremony given for the family to honor his service in the Marine Corps and his time in Vietnam. The Family requests memorials in Ron Steffes' name to be made to Lutheran Family Services 2139 N. Glenstone Springfield, Missouri 65803 and The Great Circle 1212 W. Lombard Springfield, Missouri 65806. Flowers to be sent to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 1947 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804.