Cheryl Steffen obituary: University of Northern Iowa Custodian passes away in Jesup, IA

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the tight-knit community of Jesup, Iowa, mourns the passing of Cheryl Steffen, a cherished member of their midst and a dedicated custodian at the University of Northern Iowa. Cheryl, 64, breathed her last on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at Unity Point Health Allen

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the tight-knit community of Jesup, Iowa, mourns the passing of Cheryl Steffen, a cherished member of their midst and a dedicated custodian at the University of Northern Iowa. Cheryl, 64, breathed her last on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at Unity Point Health – Allen Hospital emergency room in Waterloo, IA. The cause of her passing remains undisclosed as of this report.

Cheryl, born to Ernest Peter Hemmer and Thelma Esther (Harrington) Hemmer on July 29, 1959, in Waterloo, IA, was more than just a colleague to those who knew her. She was a beacon of love and compassion, fulfilling roles as a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. After graduating from Jesup High School in 1977, she furthered her education at Hawkeye Community College. On May 31, 2014, she entered into a lifelong partnership with Michael Francis Steffen in a ceremony held in Gilbertville.

Cheryl’s profound faith was a cornerstone of her life, finding solace and community as an active member of St. Francis Barclay Catholic Church in rural Dunkerton. Professionally, she contributed her skills as a custodian at the University of Northern Iowa, where her dedication and hard work endeared her to colleagues and students alike.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Michael of Dunkerton; son Nicholas Schmitz and fiancé Miguel Rodriguez of San Diego, CA; daughters Elizabeth Nordin of Dunkerton and Kathryn Schmitz (Becks Jordan) of Queen Creek, AZ; step-daughter Lauren (Aaron) Aguilar of Westgate, IA; step-sons Eddie (Katelyn) Steffen of Richmond Hill, GA, and Sam Steffen of Waterloo. Cheryl also leaves behind six adoring grandchildren: Steven and Axl Aguilar, Mavrick & McKenna Steffen, and Avery and Felicity Nordin. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Larry (Florence) Hemmer of Indianapolis, IN, Jack (Nikki) Hemmer of Jesup, and Steve (Blane) Hemmer of Minneapolis, MN.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her son Joshua Michael Schmitz, brothers Tom and Bob Hemmer, and sister Janice Youngblut. As the community mourns the loss of this remarkable woman, her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

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