Catherine “Diane” Steffens, age 90, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by family at Dove Healthcare – Orchard Hills Assisted Living. Diane was born on March 18, 1936, in Peru, Indiana, to Herman and Mary Trapp. She attended St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame and the University of Illinois at Champaign–Urbana, where she studied chemistry. This education served her well in her career in quality assurance at Swiss Colony in Monroe, Wisconsin. On August 31, 1957, she married Fred Steffens at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana, Illinois.
Diane and her family lived in several communities while raising their children. Their first four children were born in Champaign, Illinois; the fifth in Cleveland, Ohio; and the sixth in Monroe, Wisconsin. The move to Monroe allowed Diane to fully use her academic talents and pursue her passion for community service. She was one of the original community members who helped raise nearly one million dollars to build the Green County YMCA. She also served for many years on the local school board, including as board president—much to the delight of her children.
Being a mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt filled her life with sunshine, love, and opportunities to share her wit and wisdom. Her life was blessed with time spent watching all of them grow into incredible humans.
Diane had a deep love for fishing, reading, playing cards, winning at bingo, and building lasting friendships. She found joy in a long and active retirement, spending summers at Tiger Musky Resort & Trailer Park. Diane and Fred’s “Pine Knot” trailer was the center of activity, a regular meeting place for coffee, conversation, cook-outs, and a long tradition of playing “99.”
Diane is survived by her beloved husband of 68½ years, Fred Steffens; her children Mark (Mimi) Steffens, Dorothy (Laura) Steffens, Paul (Sara) Steffens, Leo (Erin) Steffens, John (Beth) Steffens, and Paula (Sean) Stout. She is also survived by eight grandchildren—Paul Steffens, Flannery Jamerson, Marissa Steffens, Nick Steffens, Dylan Steffens, Alex Steffens, Jonah Stout, and Johnathan Stout—and her great-granddaughter, Ruby Jamerson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her father- and mother-in-law; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Diane will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A very special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the wonderful staff at Orchard Hills for their compassionate care. Mom formed many meaningful friendships there and shared her spark, sense of humor, and love with everyone she met. “All of you were her Favorites”
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 28, at the Community Room, Dove Health Care –Orchard Hills Assisted Living, 1403 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enter via the Community Room entry doors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Dove Healthcare - Orchard Hills Community Fund in her honor.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.
