Donald Joseph Steffler

Donald Joseph Steffler, 80, Moses Lake resident, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Memorial services with full military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake.  Don was born November 8, 1928 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to the late Ferdinand Laurence & Barbara (Duchsher) Steffler.

He joined the United States Army in 1947 and made the military his occupation serving in the Intelligence Division of the Army until his retirement in 1975, CW4-28 Years.

While in the service of our country he earned a Bronze Star saving a comrade under enemy fire in Korea.  He served several tours in Korea and throughout Europe.  Further military awards and accomplishments include:  Korean War 1952-1953, Marshall National Defense Medal, 4 Awards Good Conduct, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Exped. Medal, Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, Presidential Until Citation (US and Korea),  Meritorious Service Medal.

He married Linda Carley, the love of his life on August 3, 1949 in Monterey, California.  They met when she was 17 and he was 20.  During their military life, they made their home in many places.  They finally settled in Moses Lake in 1975, where they have resided since.

Don was an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed deep sea fishing, hunting, crabbing, bowling, and spending time with his family.  He loved to shoot the breeze.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Linda Carley Steffler; 4 children, Rachel Clark of Moses Lake, Mike, Rusty & Jason Steffler all of Moses Lake; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert & Alice Steffler of Idaho; one sister Teresa; 2 sisters-in-law, Ora Steffler of Moses Lake and Alta Steffler of Idaho; 10 grandchildren, Glenn Steffler of Spokane, Sarah Steffler of Moses Lake, Nathaniel Steffler of Moses Lake, Chris Clark of Oregon, Suzie & Kevin Gosch of Iowa, Brian Clark of Kentucky, Cory, Courtney & Alazae Clark of Moses Lake; 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 brothers and a sister.

He always had a place in his heart for so many family and friends such as Dennis Steffler, Lana Devney and other names too numerous to mention.  We will miss this good man and proud warrior.