Thomas H. Steffen Jr.

Thomas H. Steffen Jr. age 84 of Hartington, Nebraska died peacefully at his residence on Friday, April 3, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington with the Rev. Will Targy officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s cemetery in Hartington. Visitation will be on Tuesday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Thomas was born on February 25, 1942 in Sioux City, Iowa to Thomas Henry and Berniece Clara (Miller) Steffen. He was the second of three boys. Tom attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Holy Trinity High School, graduating in 1960. After graduation he started farming on the family farm with his dad and brothers. Tom married Linda Lou Forinash on August 28, 1962 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington. They were blessed with four daughters.

They lived on the farm and continued farming until 1984 when they moved into Hartington. His career path continued including Ohio National Insurance, janitor at Cedar Catholic and Coleridge Schools, and owned and operated T&L Cleaning. His most favorite “job” was tootling around Hartington on his John Deere Gator with his beloved companion, Gus. Anyone who met Tom would shake his hand, share a conversation, and leave as a friend. His handshakes, especially with his grandchildren, always seemed to linger a little longer, as if he never quite wanted to let go resembling his kindness, pride, and deep love for his family.

Tom enjoyed dancing, wood working, and storytelling to anyone willing to listen He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife, Linda of 63 years, four daughters, Brenda (Monty) Hefner of Belden, Lisa Dendinger of Hartington, Amy (Gale) Schutte of Lincoln, Tammi Tanderup of Hartington. 13 Grandchildren: Holly (Mike) Hoeppner, Tyler (Kerrie) Dendinger, Heidi (Chris) Haberer, Mark (Kirsten) Dendinger, Rachel Schutte, Haley Hefner, Nancee (Alex) Wemhoff, Katelynn (Coleman) Broders, Erika (Steven) Bierman, Nathan (Sam) Schutte, Emily (Dustin) Humphrey, Travis (Wendy) McNear, Shelbi (Kris) White. 22 great-grandchildren and 4 on the way; brother: Bob (Mary Lou) Steffen, and sister-in-law Patty Steffen.

Preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Bernice Steffen; a brother Orville Steffen, son in law Bill Dendinger; grandson Trenten Tanderup, great grandsons Payne Haberer & Landen McNear and beloved four legged friend, Gus.

The Steffen family wishes to send a special Thank You to Katie Dohren and Ascera Care Hospice team for all the amazing care and support they have given Tom, Linda and their family.