"I have been living overseas in South Korea for the past 15 years, and am planning a move back to Iowa. This got me thinking about selling off my audio equipment, and wondering if I could swing a purchase of some dream speakers I always wanted -- Carver Amazings, which I first heard in John Steffa's home on the North end of town (and later the Carver ALS III's on Lincoln Way). As I remembered, I decided to Google Mr. Steffa. That led me here, and I am so sorry to read that John has passed. My condolences. I remember Mr. Steffa and family moved into the Lincoln way home sometime in the mid-90's (a family friend had owned it, prior). I have many fond memories in high school and college of visiting John Steffa's Hi-Fi with classmates. It was always fun listening to (and purchasing) audio equipment from him. So many memories. Good ones. Thank-you, Mr. Steffa."
In loving memory of
John Steffa
January 4, 1935 - June 20, 2015
John Steffa, 80, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015, at the Iowa River Hospice House, in Marshalltown. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2015, at Anderson Funeral Home, 405 W. Main Street, Marshalltown. Bobby Shomo will officiate. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, in Marshalltown. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Anderson Funeral Homes 405 W. Main Street, Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa River Hospice or the Mid Iowa Workshop. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
John Charles Steffa, son of Russell and Lazelle (Ferguson) Steffa was born January 4, 1935 in Marshalltown, IA. He attended Marshalltown Public Schools. On September 3, 1954 he was united in marriage to Sharon Worsfold at the Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. Four children: Helen, Lawrence, Pamela and Gerald were born to this union. John and Sharon lived their whole lives in Marshalltown. John did lab work for Lennox for over 25 years, and he also owned John's Hi-Fi and Sound Service for over 50 years. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge Number 312 of Marshalltown and a past Board Member at the Mid Iowa Workshop.
Surviving John are his wife, Sharon of Marshalltown, IA; children, Helen (James) Dansby, Lawerence (Beth) Steffa, Pamela (Rex) Steffa, and Gerald Steffa all of Marshalltown, IA; six grandchildren, Danielle Zemlicka, April Hill, Angela Rodimaker, Travis Corwin, Austin Steffa, Alissa Steffa; and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Lazelle, and a brother, David Steffa.
Tributes
"Helen I am so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I have many good memories of hanging out at your house. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. Kenna Schaper McKeever"
"Sharon, haven't seen you in ages, but praying for your comfort during this difficult time. My husband Jim and son Nick visited with John, but sadly I never did get to come with them. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and hope we might visit some time as remember you from days at Ferguson School. God bless you.....Marla Grossman"
"Sharon, have not seen you forever. Janet informed me. Our prayers for you and family during theses difficult times. Darwin and Beverly"
"I learned of John's passing and I offer my condolences to Sharon,his children and other family members.I look back on my first visit to John and Sharon's house on 5th Ave. and I can remember how awe-struck I was at seeing and hearing and feeling John's mighty assembly of audio gear.That was in '72,upgaded my first real stereo with John's thoughtful advice.For a brief time I was employed at Team Electronics on Main St. and I would keep John aware of the developments at that business (the owner Ron knew I had purchased my audio from John and that I held the opinion of Steffa's superior merchandise and knowledge).There are many fond memories I carry from that time,and especially the day in '73 when John delivered my University Medallion 12s.I am looking at them now as I compose these few words.The speakers sound just as good as the first time they were unleashed by the Harmon-Kardon 930.I have never bought anything that gave me such joy for so very many years.Thank you John,rest in peace.Yours Truly,Larry Daniels"
"So sorry to hear of John's passing. We spent countless hours as kids hanging out at The Steffa's with the tunes blaring waiting for Dad to pick out his latest piece of stereo equipment. Those were the days... Love and prayers, Joyce Haradon Goheen Jana Haradon Bouse"
"My husband Dave and I started buying equipment from John in 1982. He was fun to talk to and we loved his stories. One incident that makes me smile concerns the 1980s turn table we purchased from him. I needed a new diamond needle and went to see John. He wasn't sure he had one that was the right size so he started searching. In an upstairs room in a drawer he found not one but 2 needles. He was so happy that he just gave me both of them. Such a nice guy. Donna Packer"
"John's Hi-Fi was a young man's right of passage and visiting "Steffa's" was always an event. I would save my money from part-time jobs, detassling, etc., so I could buy and upgrade the latest stereo equipment. John and his family made you feel welcome. I'm sure John has the "gold running to the positive and the silver to the negative (or is that the other way around ?) up in Heaven. Thoughts and Prayers for John and the Steffa family."
" My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Kids. Last week, I had a problem with my sound system and, although I hadn't thought of your dad for some years, I thought I'd give him a call. It was late and I couldn't find the old Marshalltown Phone Book, so I didn't. He and I attended Sunday School at the Congregational Church, so we go back a long way. When my father died suddenly in 1959, I had to get out of the Army a couple months early and come home to take over as head of the family. John and Bob Haradon and I had an interest in high fidelity systems and spent a lot of time at the Steffa Sound Listening Room, as we called it. One evening, a small tornado tore up a tree in the backyard, but that didn't deter us from carrying on with our audiophile activities. I shall miss those days of youthful diversions and always be grateful for good and true friends from my hometown. John was among my very closest friends and I felt right at home with his dear family too. If ever you find yourselves in San Diego, give me a call and I will show you around. I don't know when, if ever, I shall visit Iowa again. If I know John, he is now planning a stereo (dual harps) concert up in Heaven which will no doubt hit a high note! God Bless You All!"
"I was saddened to learn of Mr. Steffas passing and want to offer my sincere condolences to the family. I met Mr. Steffa in the early 80s when I was in high school and was directed to him for assistance in setting up my first real audio rig. I remember being apprehensive about going to the house for the first time. Figured Id be laughed out of the house when he learned of my meager budget. I quickly learned otherwise. Over the next few years when I came by the house Mr. Steffa would always make himself available, share his knowledge and offer this budding audiophile some much needed direction. Now in my 50s, my interest in audio and vinyl stronger than ever, I have Mr. Steffa to thank for the smile on my face when Im in my listening room in the sweet-spot. My thoughts and prayers are with the you all, "
"Always enjoyed visiting John. Loved to hear about all of the new Hi Fi equipment he would have to offer. It was great having such a honest and helpful stereo dealer in our immediate area. Our most sincere condolances to all of the Steffa family. Gary & Barb Augustine The Villages, FL"
"Sharon and Family, John and your whole family always welcomed me into your home as I came for stereo , TV, service and products as well as friendship over the years When I lived in Marshalltown. I have never forgotten that kindness and friendship.. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Vic Augustine"
"The music just got a bit louder upstairs... My first stereo system came from the Steffa collection back in 1989. It was tradition in the Wheeler house to receive a "real" stereo as a high school graduation present. I was the fourth of four to receive mine from none other than the Steffa family. What great memories! Rest in peace John and thank you for the impact had on our lives! Sarah (Wheeler) Stinson"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remembering the old neighborhood and John playing his music"
"Dear Sharon, Larry, Helen, Pam and Gerald, Penny and I send our condolences in the loss of your Husband and Father. We remember all the nice things he did for us and the good visits I had with all of you for many years on 5th St.. I remember John as a person who wanted to do the right thing for his customers and Larry helping him when car stereos became so popular. My last visit with John was approx. 13-14 years ago he was always glad to have me in for a chat and kinda catch up on things.. Penny and my prayers are with you Sharon and your family. Kind Regards, Keith and Penny Augustine"