Gloria Mae Steffen, 79, of Crookston, MN, died Tuesday afternoon, June 21, 2011, in Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND with her family by her side.

Gloria was born in Donnelly Township of Marshall County, near Stephen, MN, on February 16, 1932, and was the daughter of Alexander and Myrtle (Frederick) Peterson. Her early years were spent in the Stephen-Argyle area, and later after a family move, in the Mentor-Fosston area. On November 29, 1963 Gloria was united in marriage to Otis A. Steffen at East Grand Forks. The couple lived on a farm near Eldred, Minnesota for several years before moving into Crookston. Together, Gloria and Otis raised four children: Thomas, Robert, Marge and Marci. She first worked for the J.R. Simplot Company and later cooked at the Irishman's Shanty. For several years Gloria was employed as a housekeeping aide at the Riverview Nursing Home until her retirement in the late 1980's. Since then she had been a volunteer senior-companion with Tri-Valley up to the present time. Sadly, Otis passed away on January 1, 2008. Gloria was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school there. She also held memberships in the Crookston DAV and VFW Auxiliary. Gloria looked forward to visits from her family so they could play cards; particularly a game called '31.' The games turned into marathons and whenever someone tried to quit she would bribe them with her peanut butter cookies to keep them playing. Bingo and dancing were favorite pastimes, and she also boasted of a rather large "collection" of Christmas decorations. Her love of reading was something she passed on to her kids and grandkids. Gloria will be forever remembered for the twinkle in her eye, the smile that came so easily, the comfort and care she gave to so many, and her abiding love for her family and friends.

Surviving family members include her 4 children: Thomas Steffen of Coon Rapids, MN, Robert (Gretchen) Steffen of Olathe, KS, Marge (Gary) Ricke of Grand Forks, ND, and Marci (Rick) Eckart of Harvey, ND; 12 grandchildren: Chris, Rachel, Lindsey, Megan, Brady, Amanda, Cody, Kelsey, Sam, Ben, Michael and Riley; 8 great grandchildren; a sister, Faye (J.W.) Trautman of Ada, MN; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Steffen of Crookston, MN; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Besides her beloved husband, Otis; Gloria was preceded in death by a daughter, Gayle Ness; an infant daughter, Susan and infant son, Ricky; her parents, Alexander and Myrtle Peterson; 3 sisters: Cleone Pack, Shirley Christenson, and Darlene Volker; and a brother, Dwaine Peterson. May God bless Gloria's memory.

A memorial service and celebration of the life of Gloria Mae Steffen will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2011, in the Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston with The Rev. Michelle Miller, officiating. Visitation with the family will be at the church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.