Dave Steafal, 103, Owatonna

Published 10:21 am Thursday, February 21, 2013

Dave William Steafal, 103, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the Westside Board and Lodge in Owatonna.

Dave was born Nov. 20, 1909, to Charles and Amelia (Gerlach) Steafal in Lyon Township, near Russell. The family moved onto a farm near Ladysmith, Wis., in 1921. Dave also drove a milk truck and cut logs in the area. In 1936, Dave returned to Russell, where he worked at a produce house buying and selling sheep, wool, furs and hides. In 1941, Dave moved to Owatonna and started working for the Owatonna Tool Co. as a machinist and remained there until he retired on Dec. 31, 1971, after 30 years of service. Dave and Marie Larson Arnhold were united in marriage on Nov. 9, 1941. They made their home in Owatonna and enjoyed spending many happy times with family and friends. Together they loved going to auctions, along with buying and restoring old furniture. Dave still worked at the fine art of caning chairs at the age of 93.

Dave Steafal

Dave Steafal

Dave was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Owatonna, where he attended faithfully for 60 years.

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He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Lundgren of Ladysmith, Wis.; son-in-law, Anthony Samudio Sr. of Albert Lea; nine grandchildren, Patrick Golden, Kay (and Rich) Gray, Tom Golden, Jim Golden, Tony Samudio Jr., Marybeth (and Matt) Samudio, Paul Samudio, Mark Samudio and Rob Samudio; 16 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marie, three daughters, Clarice Arnhold VerHelst, Darlene Arnhold Golden, and Garnette Arnhold Samudio, son, Duane Arnhold, granddaughter, Debra Golden Duchene, and four sisters, Jesse, Albina, Gerty, and Dorothy.

Visitation will be at St. John Lutheran Church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Richard Steffen officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice. Arrangements are being completed by Michaelson Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank Janice and Marvin Larson and the staff of Westside Board and Lodge for their friendship and wonderful care and for giving Grandpa a home.

Dave, “Gramps” “Grampa Dave” was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all. May God grant his soul peace forever more.

Michaelson Funeral Homes, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, is assisting the family with arrangements. It can be reached at 507-451-7943.