Larry Steffes

Mass of Christian Burial for Larry Steffes, age 82, of Okoboji will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm with a vigil service at 6:00pm all at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Interment will be at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Larry Frank Steffes, 82, of Okoboji, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026. Born in Carroll, Iowa, to Alvin and Hilda Steffes, Larry was a graduate of Carroll Kuemper High School and proudly served in the Army National Guard. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

On June 20, 1970, Larry married the love of his life, Ielene Schoenherr. Together they built a rich life filled with family, hard work, and adventure. Throughout the years, they made their home in Carroll, Iowa; Australia; Dow City, Iowa; Spencer, Iowa; and finally Okoboji, Iowa, where they have resided since 2003.

Larry began his career as a farmer and rancher before starting his own real estate development business, building homes across northwest Iowa. Entirely self-taught in construction, his ingenuity, creativity, and craftsmanship were legendary. He also believed in serving his community and proudly served as president of the Dow City Community School District Board of Education.

Larry cherished adventure. In 1972, he and Ielene spent a memorable year on a "Working Holiday" in Australia, where he worked on a cotton farm. Closer to home, he loved Okoboji and was an avid snow skier who led the family on dozens of memorable trips to Colorado.

Above all, Larry found his greatest joy in simple, meaningful things—especially time with family. He adored his grandchildren, Sophi and Ruby, and lit up at every moment shared with them. Evenings often brought him peace watching classic Westerns with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood—heroes whose grit and independence mirrored his own.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Ielene Steffes of Okoboji; his children, Robb (Melissa) Steffes of Omaha, Nebraska; Nick Steffes of Phoenix, Arizona; Marc (Mercedes) Steffes of Paradise Valley, Arizona; and Matt (Jenny) Steffes of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Sophi Steffes and Ruby Steffes; brothers, Jerry (Chuck) Steffes of Omaha; Glen Steffes of Carroll; and Gene (Sheri) Steffes of Manning; and sisters, Karen DeBoth of Manning and Donna (Gary) Ocken of Casa Grande, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Hilda Steffes; sister, Jolene Steffes Rohe; brother-in-law, Denny Kasperbauer; sister-in-law, Lois Schoenherr; nephew, Cory DeBoth; and niece, Holly Honsey.

The family warmly welcomes friends and relatives to celebrate Larry's life and the many memories he created. We are deeply grateful for your presence, prayers, and support during this difficult time. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary's following the burial.