Jerome (Jerry) Walter Steffe, 90

Jerome (Jerry) Walter Steffe, 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 14, 2026.

Born September 14, 1935, in Jasper, Indiana, he was the son of Genevieve (Schepers) and William Steffe.

Jerome married the love of his life, Maryellen (Rozcicha), on August 22, 1964.

He was a devoted husband and father and a proud grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Maryellen; children, Rebecca (Henry) Lizcano, Jennifer (Andy) Wold, and Anthony Steffe; grandchildren, Nadine, Sophia, Justin, Nicholas, Jonathan, and Lauren; and siblings, Dennis (Vonda) Steffe, Ruth (the late Ron) Rowekamp, and Darlene Steffe; and his brother-in-law, John (Julie) Rozcicha.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Steffe.

Jerome served in the Indiana National Guard and devoted his professional life to education. He earned degrees from Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois. He began teaching mathematics at Horace Mann in Gary, Indiana, in 1963 and joined Thornridge High School in 1967, where he later served as Mathematics Department Chairperson. He also dedicated many years to adult education as Head of Night School at South Suburban Community College.

Faith and service were central to Jerome’s life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 70 years, including the Fourth Degree, and a lifelong church choir member. For 32 years, he was an active parishioner of St. John the Evangelist.

Jerome will be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm smile, steadfast faith, love of teaching, and devotion to his family. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the students he inspired, and the community he served.

A special thank you to Cris Nilson at Amada and the staff at Unity Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM, at Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 W 97th Ln, St John, IN 46373. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. John the Evangelist Day Chapel, 11301 W 93rd Ave, Saint John, Indiana 46373. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery adjacent to the Day Chapel.

Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to St. John Evangelist Church or St. Meinrad Archabbey in St Meinrad, IN.