Obituary of William Hans Steffen

Bill passed to be with our Lord on August 1, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Beverly, seven children, Susanne, Michael, Paul, Scott, Lisa (Steven), Dana (Paul), Diane (Tom). His brother Fred (Lynn). Grandchildren, Tasha, Trevor, Tiffany, Stephanie, Britney, Brandon, Cole, Haley, Avery, Lane, Dane, Madeline, Charlotte, Grace, Christian, Isabelle. Many nieces and nephews. He had a multitude of friends who were as close as family. He was born in Seattle to Lillian and Hans Steffen. His sister Helyne and brother Rick preceded him in death. Bill loved telling stories about growing up in West Seattle with the Werlich and Dale families. He spent summers on Look-Out Mountain as a teenager. Bill entered the army in 1946 with his best friend Don. When he got out he decided to enter St. Edwards Seminary to discern whether or not he had a vocation to the priesthood. He loved ST. Edwards and made many good priest friends. He decided to go home to help his father build boats on Camano Island. He attended the small mission church of St. Cecelia in Stanwood and there met his wife Beverly, singing in the choir. They married and moved to Tacoma, where he worked as manager for Continental Coffee. In 1971, he bought the Chieftain Restaurant on South Tacoma Way. After being in the coffee/restaurant business for so many years, it seemed like the right move. He was a hard worker and everyone appreciated it. The restaurant was a home for everybody. He loved being around the South Tacoma people and was there for nearly 39 years, until his death. Bill loved and practiced his Catholic faith. He genuinely desired to help others, working at St. Leo's for years feeding the homeless, with Catholic Youth camps, religious education classes at St. Charles. Bill always had a smile. He never spoke ill of anyone. His family was his greatest treasure. A memorial mass on the anniversary of his 82nd birthday will be at Visitation Catholic Church. 3314 South 58th St. Tacoma, WA. on Saturday, August 28th, at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Church. Interment Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA Donations can be made in Bill's honor to Visitation Church's fund for a new roof. The family wishes to thank Father Nicholas Wichert, Visitation Church members, Franciscan Hospice, St. Joseph's Hospital and all the caregivers and family for caring for their beloved father and husband. Thanks to all for their prayers that helped our family through the past year. May God continue to bless each and every one.