On Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Christopher James Steffen, Sr., devoted father and veteran, passed away at the age of 47 at his residence in Jeannette, PA.
Funeral Service, Wednesday, Jan 02, 2019, 1:30 PM, First United Methodist Church, 221 S Washington St., Arnett, OK 73832.
Chris was born September 29, 1971 in Ft. Collins, CO and was the son of Eunice Wise and Tom Steffen. Chris grew up in Arnett and in Illinois. In 1987 he entered the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school and rose to the top of his career field as an aerial photojournalist. Chris photographed in three combat zones and worked directly for theater commanding generals and NATO commanders. He witnessed history and his work in Kosovo and the Albanian refugee camps helped guide the decisions of military and government leadership. On September 2, 1995 Chris married Rachel Brean in Jeannette, PA and to this union two boys were born Christopher J. and Sean.
Along with being a faithful Sooners fan, he was also an avid Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Cubs fan. Chris was known for his mischievous grin and playful sense of humor, but even more than that he was a fiercely loyal leader and mentor admired by those who served with him.
Chris is survived by his two sons Christopher J. Steffen, Jr. of Arnett, OK and Sean J. Steffen Edensburg, PA; mother Eunice Wise of Arnett, OK; father Tom Steffen of Wenona, IL; sister Candace Steffen of Eugene, OR; three uncles Steve Martin and wife Patti of Lowell, AR, Todd Steffen of Chicago, IL and James A Steffen and wife Linda of Washburn, IL; many cousins, extended family and a host of friends.
Memorials may be made to the following:
Arnett First United Methodist Church
221 S Washington St
Arnett, OK 73832
or
Arnett Fire Department,
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859