A 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.
Larry Frank Steffes, 82, of Okoboji, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026. Born in Carroll, Iowa, to Alvin and Hilda Steffes, Larry graduated from 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. Together they built a rich life filled with family, hard work, and adventure. Larry began as a farmer and rancher, later becoming a respected real estate developer, building homes across NW Iowa. His ingenuity and creativity were legendary.
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, NE; Nick Steffes of Phoenix, AZ; Marc (Mercedes) Steffes of Paradise Valley, AZ; and Matt (Jenny) Steffes of Sioux Falls, SD; 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 Ocken (Gary) of Casa Grande, AZ.
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.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
