Felicitas Steffen

felicitas steffen
Felicitas Steffen, age 86 of New Hampton, Iowa died peacefully Sunday March 25, 2018 at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton with Rev. Brian Dellaert and Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Ann Bennett will be the organist with Mike Winter serving as cantor. Lectors for the service will be Veronica Steffen and Leticia Steffen. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Rebecca Voigt and Theresa Steffen. Pallbearers for Felicitas' service are Randy Voigt, Daniel Prieto, Andrew Voigt, Fernando Prieto, Tim Popken, Jim Ivery, David Prieto, Gavin Popken, Foster Popken and Clark Budweg. Private family interment will be at a later date. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home located at 101 W. MAIN STREET in New Hampton where there will be a 4:00 p.m. rosary. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Felicitas Angeles Garcia Steffen was born November 20, 1931, in Manila, Philippines, the daughter of Gaudencio and Maria Paz (Angeles) Garcia. She graduated high school in 1949 from the University of the Philippines and in 1953 from Maryknoll College in the Philippines, where she served as college student secretary in the sodality and president of the school's Catholic Action. Felicitas taught three years in elementary school in the Philippines and later another year at Maryknoll College. In 1956, Felicitas left the Philippines and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA receiving her Master’s Degree and then teaching a year at St. Mary’s School in Waterloo under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters. During a Catholic Church conference at Notre Dame University, she met Sylvester “Pat” Steffen of New Hampton and the couple was married on June 20, 1959, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames. The couple was blessed with six daughters. Felicitas and Pat moved to New Hampton where she was a teacher for many years. Throughout her many teaching years, Felicitas taught all elementary grades and for some time in the high school. She retired in 1999 and continued as a substitute for four more years. Felicitas was always a favorite teacher of her students, their love for her was only matched by the love she shared back to them. She was an active member of Holy Family Parish having served as Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Her husband Sylvester died on September 7, 2017 at the age of 84. Survivors include five daughters, Veronica Steffen (Fernando Prieto) of Madrid, Spain, Rebecca (Randy) Voigt of Decorah, Theresa Steffen (Ski, life-partner) of Alexandria, Va, Maria (Tim) Popken of Alta Vista, Leticia Steffen (Jim Ivery) of Pueblo, CO; seven grandchildren, Daniel Prieto (Almudena), David Prieto, Andrew Voigt, Steffenee Voigt, Gavin Popken, Foster Popken, Isabel Ivery; two brothers, Diosdado Garcia of PA, Eduardo Garcia of CA; two sisters, Pilar Garcia of Ames, IA, Lilia Gomez of Manila Philippines. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Monica Steffen in 2001; three sisters, Ana Corina Garcia, Rosalinda Valenzuela and Cresencia Montemer; three brothers, Evangelista Garcia, Jovencio Garcia, Rev. Reynaldo Garcia S.J.

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  1. We have lost a truly wonderful lady who will live on in the lives of the many children she touched. Mrs. Happy she was called by many during her years as a substitute teacher. May heaven be brighter now that she is there.

  2. Rebecca – I am so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. I fondly remember her as a substitute teacher; she was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to you, Veronica, Theresa, Maria and Leticia.

  3. I am so sorry to read of Mrs. Steffen’s passing. She was such a sweet woman and made such an impression on many children. Prayers to her entire family.

  4. I am so sorry to see that Mrs. Steffen has passed. Always such a sweet woman, neighbor, and teacher. My deepest condolences to her family.

  5. Veronica, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Her faith was strong. Her smile was beautiful.
    My sympathy to you, your sisters and the entire family. May Our Father grant you peace and comfort.

  6. Our sympathy to all of you on the death of your beloved mother and grandmother. Her smile and optimism made so many people happy. Such an interesting woman.

  7. We are so very sad to hear of your loss. Felicitas was such a dear, sweet woman who always greeted you with her infectious smile. When I told our son, David of her passing today he told me that she was one of his favorite teachers. She always asked me about him whenever I saw her. She was one of a kind and she will be missed by many. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you. -Judy and Dean Knoll

  8. Our sympathies to the family. Felicitas was such a lovely lady and interesting to visit with. She always greeted you with a very warm smile. A very caring and knowledgeable teacher. Cherish your wonderful memories and may she rest in peace.

  9. Theresa, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was one of my first teachers and I remember her kindness and loving spirit. My deepest condolences on your loss. Jody Howard

  10. Prayers for Strength & Peace To Her Family. I first met Her many, many years ago at the New Hampton School. She was a substitute teacher. She was so pretty & I Loved Her long black hair. I remember Her Daughters from school, as well. She was a Wonderful Lady & Soul. God Bless You All. Heaven Received a Beautiful Angel. Debbie (Vorwald) Morrison

  11. This lady was always a beacon of light. She was always smiling and I remember what a great teacher she was to my daughter, Aubrey. I hope all the memories that her family has of her guide them through the next days. I will pray for all the Steffen family in the loss of Felicitas. Jeanne Roder

  12. So so sorry to hear of Felicitas passing. My children always enjoyed her for a teacher. My thoughts and prayers with your family.

  13. Felicitas was a breath of fresh air! She had a quiet presence and was very happy!
    Also, she frequently helped with most funeral dinners at Holy Family Church in New Hampton. I am sure her girls will miss her. My sympathy to all of you!

  14. One of the best subs ever! My preschool classes always loved her! Many memories for many people! Rest In Peace Mrs. Happy!

  15. with all my love and prayers , to Veronica, Rebecca Teresa, Maria & Leticia , will miss her love and smiles, thinking of you all .. my deepest sympathy

  16. Mrs. Happy was such a beautiful woman. She had a heart of gold. I wrote a memoir about her in middle school. She kindly invited me into her home and told me so many stories about her home, her family, and just the amazing life she lived. She had such a passion for life, it is so heartbreaking to know she is gone. Thank you for teaching my sister and I to make bread, gingerbread cookies, and most of all donuts. You will be so very missed. ❤

  17. Mrs. Steffen was a pillar of joy. I respect and admire her greatly. Her wise words taught me many life lessons and will forever help me be a better person. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.

  18. What a special little lady! The Heavens are rejoicing after gaining a gentle & lovely soul…My sympathy to her family.

  19. Though Felly was diminutive in size, her influence was enormous. She touched the lives of so many as a teacher and friend. She always had a smile and kind word. She was a special lady who will be remembered for her big heart, infectious smile, strong faith, and love of family. Our deepest sympathies go to her daughters and extended family.

  20. Thoughts and prayers to you, my friend, Maria, and to all the “Steffen girls.” You Mom was a lovely lady and my parents lover her and your dad so. They are all having a wonderful time together in heaven. Love, Michele (Carlin) Sailstad and the rest of the Carlin clan.

  21. Tita Fely you were a wonderful auntie to me and my siblings and a good sister to my mom. I will always remember driving out from California for your Wedding in Ames, I was 8 years old. Uncle Eddy, my Mom, Dad sister and two brother in our Rambler with no A/C. I have found memories of my numerous visits to your home with many happy hours with you, the girls and uncle Pat. Monica “my twin” as she would call herself always insisting I was too old to be a cousin! Enjoy Heaven with your sisters, brothers and all our family. Like my late brother Billy, I know you are looking into the face of our Wonderful Awesome Father God and both of you are smiling. May God grant peace and his unending love to your girls!

  22. Your mother was always so kind to us. I will always remember her smiling face and genuine interest in each person she talked with. Mike and I are thinking of you all.

    Julie Steffen and Mike Ironside

  23. Dear Steffen Girls,
    May God’s good grace surround you as you journey the road of grief. Keep everyone’s words of love and sympathy as lights to guide you when things are dark with sadness. Your mom and dad’s love and goodness live on through you and those you love. Peace.
    Alissa (Brannon) Wilke

  24. Our deepest sympathies to all of Felecitas and Pat’s Family,
    We here on Earth have lost a beautiful Lady who inspired us all to be kind and gentle! Mrs. Happy made us all Happy to know Her! She touched so many lives as she taught, not just reading and writing, but how to live each day! I’m sure she is already sharing her smiles and happiness with Pat and all those who have gone before !! Larry and Darlene Throndson

  25. Our memories of your Mom (& Dad) over the years, from visiting with them at church, nursing home Masses, the bank, and many other random encounters, are of two of the nicest, friendliest people. As many have commented, your Mom had the nicest smile and such a positive disposition. She made a great, lasting impression on so many. Our deepest sympathy to you all for your loss.

  26. So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful teacher, and just a beautiful person. May you find peace and be surrounded by those you love.

  27. Our sincere sympathy to the family. Always enjoyed her in school — what a great teacher & beautiful person! Dr Richard & Brita Reams


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