Thomas Lee Steffes

Thomas Lee Steffes, 72, of Winona passed away on November 21, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester surrounded by family.

Tom was born in Winona to Arthur and Ruth (Johnson) Steffes. He was a graduate of Winona Senior High School and Winona State College. While at Winona State he majored in elementary education and furthered his learning by taking additional classes in special education.

The majority of Tom’s career was spent working at Winona County Developmental Achievement Center. He served his clients there for over 25 years. He retired from the Todd County DAC in 2015. After retirement, he spent two years at Jefferson Elementary School in Winona as an educational assistant. His career was spent doing what he was most passionate about - serving and loving others.

Tom was a dedicated member of the Winona Church of the Nazarene (Lighthouse Church) where he served in several capacities such as board secretary and children’s ministries director.

Tom’s biggest joys were his grandchildren. He could be found in the bleachers, on the sidelines, or in the audience of any sport they played or performance they were in. He loved his grandchildren immensely and they loved their “Bumpa” just the same.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lynette (Krage); their son, Phillip, and his children: George and Ella Steffes; their daughter and son-in-law, Emily and John, and their children: Bryan and Molly Cassellius. He is further survived by his brother, Peter; niece, Mara; nephews: Michael (Mandi) and Patrick Steffes; as well as Lynette’s siblings: Darlene Walsh, Ed (Paula) Krage, Keith (Anne) Krage, and other nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his son, Mark Steffes; his parents, Art and Ruth Steffes; his brother and sister-in law, Timothy and Linda Steffes; brother-in-law, Wayne Krage; niece, Rosemary Spence Krage; and nephew, Steve Walsh.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until the funeral service at 6 PM on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Lighthouse Church (formerly Church of the Nazarene), 469 Orrin St., Winona.  Pastor Barb Perkins will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Online condolences or memories may be left for Tom’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.