Mary “Cathy” Steffen

Mary "Cathy" Steffen, age 81, of Rhinelander, died on January 12, 2025, in Rhinelander. She was born on Saturday, September 4, 1943, in Rhinelander, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Callahan) Seraphin.

Cathy is survived by her husband Ron Steffen, her daughters Christine Krebsbach and Rhonda (Gary) Lee, her sons Joseph (Kathryn) Krebsbach and Patrick (Margaret) Steffen, her 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her brothers John Seraphin, Charlie (Diane) Seraphin, Mike (Patty) Seraphin and Mark (Darice) Seraphin, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cathy was born and raised in Rhinelander where she also raised her children. She attended Holy Cross High School in Merrill, Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee and earned her master's degree in education from Marion College in Fond du Lac. She spent most of her career teaching social studies at James Williams Middle School where she taught students about Native American history through a live archeological dig and state capitals through songs that still got sung to her in the aisles of Walmart and Trig’s anytime a former student saw her out and about. She loved teaching and was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Cathy’s life was full of the people and activities she loved. She was an avid quilter and storyteller who loved to camp, play games (especially with her great-grandchildren), knit and spend time with family and friends. Her final years were spent full of trips south for the winter, exploring weird roadside attractions around the country and married to the love of her life.

Above all else, she loved and knew she was loved by God and wanted the same for every person who crossed her path. Though she would have chosen to stay with her family for many more years, she also looked forward to being with Jesus, her savior, with all of her heart and was ready to be at home with her Lord.

Visitation for Cathy will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m., with memorial services following at 11 a.m., all at Pine Grove Community Church. Interment will be at a later date at the Northwoods National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,

 Cathy requested that donations be made in her name to two of her favorite charities: Samaritan’s Purse www.samaritanspurse.org or Compassion International www.compassion.com. 

You may leave your private condolences for the Steffen family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Steffen family.