Steven Robert Pleggenkuhle

Steven Robert Pleggenkuhle age 68 of Sumner died Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Mayo Clinic – St. Marys Campus in Rochester.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg.  Following the visitation the family invited everyone to join them at Here’s 2U in Fredericksburg for conversation and memory sharing.

Mark Rue, Jason Woodring, Brian Selensky, Steve Hendershot, Richard Johnson, Kim Pleggenkuhle, Mathew Goddard, and Joel Pleggenkuhle will be serving as honorary urnbearers.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg has been entrusted with arrangements.

Steven Robert Pleggenkuhle, born May 11, 1957, passed away on December 24, 2025. Steven was born to Dolores (Morkel) and Robert Pleggenkuhle and lived his life very much on his own terms. A true rolling stone, he marched to the beat of his own drum. That independence was sometimes frustrating, but it was also exactly what made him him—and what those who loved him cherished most. He also had a million-dollar smile which often showed up right when you least expected it.

Steve graduated from North Fayette High School in 1975. Like many, he punched a 9-to-5 clock for a time, but his heart was always elsewhere. Eventually, he was able to do what he truly wanted—farm. A lifelong grain and cattle farmer, Steve witnessed countless sunrises and sunsets doing what he loved: working the land and caring for cattle. Farming was not just his livelihood; it was who he was. You’d look hard to find a harder-working man. His grit, perseverance, and unmatched work ethic were lessons he lived daily and passed on to his children.

He married Merilee Dungey, and together they welcomed a daughter, Jada Joy. Through this union, Steve also gained a son, Joel, whom he loved as his own. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, Steve’s role as a father and the values he instilled remained one of his greatest legacies.

Steve spent many meaningful years with his long-time companion Cindy Durscher, whose passing he deeply felt. In later years, he found companionship again with Pam Williams, and valued the time and connection they shared.

Above all, Steve loved his family and deeply cared for many close friends—even if he didn’t always show it in obvious ways. He dearly loved his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to give them grief—especially after a game when their favorite team played and lost. Those playful jabs, usually delivered with that million-dollar smile, were just one of the many ways he showed his love.

Outside of the fields, Steve enjoyed the New York Yankees, the Green Bay Packers, a good game of Cribbage, traveling, and a good cold beer. Whether near or far, he did things his own way—always.

Steven is survived by his daughter, Jada Goddard (and Mat) of Nashua, Iowa; his son, Joel Pleggenkuhle of Wilton, Iowa; five grandchildren, Austin Pleggenkuhle, Kylee Pleggenkuhle, Kash Goddard, Nilan Goddard and Cadi Goddard; Pam Williams; his sisters Loris Fox, Nancy Pleggenkuhle, and Lisa Pleggenkuhle-Grummer; and his aunt, Anna Mae Pleggenkuhle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dolores Pleggenkuhle; a sister in infancy, June Pleggenkuhle; special friend Cindy Durscher; and many friends who were taken from us far too soon.

Steven will be remembered for his independence, his work ethic, his love for family and friends, his humor, and that unforgettable smile. His life may not have followed a straight line, but it was authentically his—and that is how he would want to be remembered.

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