Gary M. Steffen

Monday, January 6, 2025

4:00 to 8:00 pm

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Memorial Service:

Saturday, January 25, 2025

11:00 am

Victory Church

223 Scott Troy Rd.,

O’Fallon, IL 62269

Gary M. Steffen, 72, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Memorial East Hospital in Shiloh, IL.

He was born on October 16, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, to Frank Albert and Maria Rose (nee Stroh) Steffen. On August 31, 1974, Gary married Anacleta Sabog in Hawaii. He was a faithful member of Victory Church in O’Fallon, IL.

Gary lived a life of service, adventure, and faith, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met. After a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, he retired in 2001 as a Lieutenant with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department. His courage and quick thinking earned him the Lifesaving Award in 1996 for rescuing a stranded climber in the Chiricahua Mountains. The same act of heroism also garnered him the prestigious Valor Award from the Fry Fire District. Beyond his local contributions, Gary lent his expertise abroad, working as an instructor in the Middle East for their equivalent of the CIA, and served as a skilled member of the Cochise County Search and Rescue, Sniper, and S.W.A.T. teams.

Gary’s life wasn’t defined solely by his profession; his interests and commitments extended far and wide. A gifted bagpiper, he played with the Albany Police Pipe and Drum Band and the John Ford Highland Pipe Band of St. Louis, blending his love of music with his cultural heritage. He rode proudly with the Fort Huachuca Memorial B Troop Cavalry, upheld his faith as a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, and found fellowship with the Victory Church Men’s Bible Study Group. He also cherished his ties to Clan Donald, celebrating his Scottish roots.

History came alive through Gary’s enthusiastic participation in reenactments of pivotal moments from the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, both World Wars, and British historical events with his piping group. Whether donning period attire or playing his bagpipes, Gary brought passion and authenticity to preserving the past.

In his downtime, Gary’s adventurous spirit and creative energy never waned. He scaled cliffs as an avid rock climber, meticulously crafted large model ships, and shared his wisdom and faith with young people through the Young Life Christian Youth Group.

Gary will be remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering faith. His patience, humor, and devotion to serving others defined his character and made him a source of inspiration to those around him. His legacy of love and service will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Albert and Maria Rose Steffen; stepmother, Kathleen “Kay” (Dewayne) Steffen; and stepson, Mark Mamizuka, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Anacleta Steffen; daughters, Shouneyia Steffen and Melanie (Timothy) Treadway; grandchildren, Denys (Samantha Erwin) Ackerman III, Emma Hosley, Deven Hosley, Abigail Treadway, Lawton Treadway, Rosie Treadway, Timothy Treadway, and William Treadway; siblings, Frank (Paula) Steffen, Jr., Janet (Marty Ramos) Steffen, Caroline (Tim) Mendoza, Laura (Michael) Westerbech, Suzanne (Andy) Zwirchitz, and Jonathan (Sarah) Steffen; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Victory Church in O’Fallon, IL.

Visitation: Monday, January 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Memorial Service: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 am, at Victory Church, 223 Scott Troy Rd., O’Fallon, IL 62269

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL