Lee H. Steffen, age 86, of Sheboygan, died on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls. He was born in Sheboygan on February 25, 1939, to the late Harry and Wilma (Hacker) Steffen.
Lee grew up in Janesville, WI and graduated from Beloit High School in 1956. He then attended Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest, IL, acquiring his Master of Education on June 27, 1964,
He started his teaching career as the Principal at St. Johns, Ionia, Michigan, in addition to teaching grades 6-8. He then taught grades 3-5 at St. Phillip in Chicago, IL. While serving in Chicago, he supervised a student teacher that became the love of his life. Lee was united in marriage to Beverly Thomas at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Dells. He and Beverly then moved to Wisconsin, where Lee served as Principal at St. John’s in Mayville, as well as teaching grades 4-8. In 1975, Lee and Bev were called to serve at Bethlehem Lutheran School in Sheboygan. During the next 29 years, he taught at the middle school level until his retirement in 2004. In all, Lee was a teacher for 43 years.
Lee was a current member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, and throughout his time there was involved in many music groups, such as bell choirs and a variety of adult and children’s choirs. His faithful service to Christian Education extended to Sunday School, as well as Vacation Bible School programs.
Lee was a member of the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra from 1975 to 2018 and played in many pit orchestras for local theatrical performances. During his teaching career, Lee was very involved in the Lutheran Outdoor Education Program at Camp Rokilio. He and his wife were dedicated volunteers for educational programs at the Sheboygan Historical Society. Lee was an avid gardener and often spent time working on one of his many home improvement projects in his workshop.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Steffen, of Sheboygan; two children, Mark (Diana) Steffen, of Sheboygan, and Deborah (Gregory) Margrett, of Brookfield, WI; five grandchildren, Nathan Margett, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Margrett, Hannah (Joshua) Novotny, Benjamin (Amber) Steffen, and Martha (Ken) Becker, and many other relatives and friends. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Carolyn Schiefelbein, and his brother, Karl Steffen.
The family is grateful for all people who have provided care and comfort for Lee through his illnesses and treatments. In particular, appreciation is extended to Pine Haven Christian Community, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.
A funeral service for Lee will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1121 Georgia Ave. Sheboygan with Rev. Patrick Niles officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Lutheran Cemetery in Sheboygan, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lee’s name may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Sheboygan Lutheran High School.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed www.reinboldfh.com
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