August Steffen Jr. was born July 18, 1926 in Burke, SD and passed away at his home July 10, 2009, just eight days prior to his 83rd birthday. August was the youngest of eight children born to August Steffen, Sr. and Pearl Martin Steffen. He grew up on the family farm nine miles south of Burke and attended country school and Burke High School.

August entered the U.S. Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 as Gunners Mate aboard a US Navy Destroyer in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. He was a life-long member of the Burke VFW and Legion Hall. August served the community on the local school boards in country school, the Burke School system and on the South Dakota School Board Association.

August was married to Arlene Benter on May 26, 1948 in Burke, SD and to that union six children were born. He worked several years at construction building roads, dams, and bridges for the area before returning to take over the family farm South of Burke. August enjoyed fishing, playing cards, gardening, wildlife, tending his rose garden and going for drives.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents August Sr. and Pearl Martin, brothers Walt and John, sisters Blanche, Hazel, Gladys, and Arlene. He is survived by his six children, AJ (Carole) of Burke, Marcia (Dave) Russell of Casper, WY, Deb (Roger) Waage of Hovland, MN, OB (Suzanne) of Burke, Sue Steffen of Independence, MO and Janeen Steffen of Burke, one sister Pearl of Burke and sister-in-law Evelyn Steffen of Hemut, CA; eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families, along with many friends.

Following the graveside service, there will be a get together at the Burke VFW Hall for coffee and dessert for anyone wishing to attend.