Darlene Steege

darlene steege

Darlene Steege age 98 of Fredericksburg died May 10, 2024 at Hillcrest Home in Sumner surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peace United Church of Christ, Fredericksburg with Rev. Scott Smith presiding. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg following the service with Lori Toso, Kerri Williamson, Danny Steege, Ryan Steege, Alex Steege, Jason Steege, and Chris Steege serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg has been entrusted with Darlene’s arrangements.

Born on April 6, 1926, in Wadena, Iowa to Marion “Ruby” and Vera (Lickiss) Brandenburg, Darlene’s life was a testament to her enduring spirit and caring soul.

With a heart full of dreams and a passion for education, Darlene earned her Teaching Certificate from Upper Iowa University. She imparted knowledge and values to young minds for a few years before embracing the cherished roles of a homemaker and full-time farm wife. On May 27, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Lyle Steege, at Peace UCC in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Their partnership was one of mutual respect and unwavering support until Lyle’s passing.

Together, Darlene and Lyle raised three sons—Marvin, Darrell, and Calvin Steege—instilling in them the importance of hard work, integrity, and the value of family. Darlene’s home was a hub of warmth and activity, where every meal was a celebration of the land’s bounty, featuring meat, potatoes, and vegetables, all lovingly prepared by her hands.

Renowned for her ho-ho bars, Darlene’s culinary skills extended far beyond this beloved treat. Her garden was a source of pride and joy, yielding an abundance of produce that she skillfully preserved through canning. She made sure that no one on the farm ever went hungry, delivering food to the workers in the fields and making sure her family and guests were well-fed and content.

Her homemade donuts were legendary, and she took great pleasure in sharing them with family and friends. Darlene’s generosity extended beyond her kitchen; she loved taking trips to visit the Amish, exploring new places, and enjoying day trips that satisfied her curiosity and sense of adventure.

Darlene was a grand dairywoman who cherished Dairy Days and the sense of community it fostered. She was often seen driving around to check on her boys, ensuring they were busy with work and thriving in their endeavors. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds, as exemplified by her unwavering support and involvement in farm chores and her family’s well-being.

Those who knew Darlene will remember her as a loving, generous, and thoughtful woman. Her presence was a comforting constant in the lives of her family and the community. Whether it was through her involvement in the local church, her commitment to her family’s dairy farm, or the simple act of delivering a plate of her amazing donuts, Darlene touched the lives of many.

Darlene is survived by her sons: Marvin (Bev) Steege of Fredericksburg, Darrell (Sharon) Steege of Fredericksburg, and Calvin (Janet) Steege of Fredericksburg; brother-in-law Paul Klotz; many nieces and nephews; grandchildren: Lori (Matt) Toso, Kerri Williamson, Danny (Katie) Steege, Ryan (Jamie) Steege, Alex (Morgan) Steege, Jason (Katie) Steege, and Chris (Leanne) Steege; great-grandchildren: Jordan, Imani, and Hannah Toso; Kiya, Jadyn, and Rylan WIlliamson; Saela and Liam Steege; Mia and Mason Steege; Addie and Chase Steege; Erin and Ella Steege; and Cora and Spencer Steege; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lyle Steege; her parents Marion and Vera (Lickiss) Brandenburg; parent-in-laws Victor and Hilda Steege; great-granddaughters: Nora and Brynley Steege; several siblings and in-laws; and several nieces and nephews.

(563) 237-6212

Services

Visitation: May 17, 2024 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - Fredericksburg
125 East Main Street
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

(563)237-6212
http://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com/

Service: May 18, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am

United Church of Christ-Peace
221 Oak St
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

641-330-9833

Graveside: May 18, 2024 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Rose Hill Cemetery
699 N Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, IA 50630

641-394-4334

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  1. We are so sorry to learn about the loss of your mother. Keeping all of you close in thought and prayer. Sue and Dan.

  2. May precious memories bring you peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your loved one. My deepest sympathy.

  3. May God’s abiding love bring you comfort and peace at this time of loss. Our sympathy to you all.

  4. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer and Dean Speicher

  5. Thoughts and prayers to all of Darlene’s family. She had herself a good life and will miss seeing her at the cemetery. She was a sweet heart.
    Randy & Mary Jane Leach

  6. Our thoughts and prayers go with you during this time. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort and peace.

  7. So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to you and your families 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  8. We are so sorry for the loss of Aunt Darlene. Over the past few years we enjoyed several unplanned breakfasts and/or coffee with her at Here’s 2 U! She was always full of lively conversation and filled us in on her Great Grandchildren’s sports and activities. We feel blessed to have shared those times with her and will cherish all of the good memories. May God bless you all and provide comfort and strength in the coming days.
    Love,
    Stacy & Bill

  9. Dear Steege Family, We know what a great lady Darlene always was. Marvin, you know I ate many a meal at the old Steege farm. Always was a great time there. Darlene always made sure we were taken care of. She used to laugh at the silly things we would do‼️. Terry and I send you all our love and prayers of comfort for the death of your dear Darlene. She and Lyle can now be dancing again together❤️ May God grant you all his love and comfort in the time ahead. So glad we had the privilege to know her🌹

  10. Sorry to hear of Aunt Darlene’s passing. Many fond family memories growing up.
    Troy and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family!
    Love, Roberta

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