Allan J. Steffy, 84, formerly of East Petersburg, died peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Pleasant View Retirement Community, Manheim.
Born in Bareville, he was the son of the late Noah P. and Metta Martin Steffy. Throughout his life Allan was involved with the floral industry; he was the founder and owner of the former Steffys Flowers near East Petersburg. Allan was well known for his flower arranging and for his many demonstrations to garden clubs and other organizations throughout the county. Steffys Flowers was also known locally for their annual Christmas Open House for which Allan baked thousands of homemade Christmas cookies each year for everyone to enjoy with his special Christmas tea. He was the loving husband of the late Mildred Hershey Steffy who died in 2005.
Allan was an active and faithful member of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church where he was a Sunday School Teacher for the Sunshine Class for the Friendship Community Ministry at the church as well as a song leader. Allan had a passion and a unique artistic talent for flowers and crafts of all types. He also enjoyed baking and cooking.
Surviving are four sons: Herbert L. husband of Beverly Siegrist Steffy of Palmyra, Nelson P. husband of Joy Swartz Steffy of Carlisle, Karl E. husband of Ellen Yoder Steffy of Manheim, Roger L. husband of Carol Herr Steffy of Marietta, two daughters: Margaret R. wife of Douglas M. Brewer of Newton, Kansas, Cynthia J. wife of Steven P. Stayrook of East Petersburg, thirteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, a brother, Jason husband of Maribelle Steffy of Ephrata, and five sisters: Alberta Benner of New Holland, Faith Buckwalter of Lititz, Marian wife of Naaman King of Atglen, Edith Hershey of Parkesburg, and Harriet wife of Joseph Kepiro of Ephrata. Preceding him in death was an infant son Michael Allan Steffy and brother Chester Steffy.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his service of remembrance and celebration at the East Petersburg Mennonite Church, 6279 Main Street, East Petersburg on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Bill Blank and Pastor Donald W. Good officiating. Interment is in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the church on Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM with additional viewing time on Friday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Flowers will be warmly received and accepted by the family or you may send contributions in Allans memory to the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, 223 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.