Gary Richard Steffens died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at home. He was 90.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Canice Catholic Church in Nevada City. Private interment will take place at the Newcastle Cemetery in Newcastle, CA.
Gary was born in San Francisco, in 1933, to Harry and Julia Steffens. They moved to Sacramento in 1941. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1950 and went into active duty serving aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown for two years during the Korean War, before being honorably discharged in 1958. He married Marjorie Myers in 1955, they had four children. Marjorie died in 1994. He graduated in 1986 with a BS from the University of San Francisco. He worked as a mechanical engineer for the State Department of Water Resources (DWR), retiring in 1996 after 40 years of service. In 1996 he married Judy Kofoid who had two children and they moved to Lake Wildwood. In 2001 they moved to their dream home in Nevada City.
Gary attended Sierra College woodworking classes and became a master woodworker making many beautiful pieces. He was an avid San Francisco 49er fan for over 70 years. He loved reading, cooking, especially Italian cuisine and traveling.
Gary lived a full and blessed life. He had a deep faith and love for his country. Gary was proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was very proud of them. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons Jeff (Jan), David (Carin), John (Sharon); daughter, Susan (Mike); stepson, Jeff; stepdaughter, Karin (Dan); 16 grandchildren, Jen, Matthew (Terah), Blaine (Kelsey), Sara (Ryan), Garrett (Lindsay) Cristy (Stephen), Logan (Amanda), Ryan, Kristyn (Derrick), Brandon, Tyler, Jordan, Brady, Kelsey, Jared, and Matthew; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry, and Julia; and first wife, Marjorie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, 11270 Rough & Ready Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the team at Hospice of the Foothills for their compassion, support, and loving care.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.