Biography of Elvin "Elvie" Steier

Elvin "Elvie" Ernest Steier passed away on Aug. 23, 2017, at Henderson Care Center, at the age of 92.  Elvin was born to P.N. and Mildred (Aurand) Steier on March 4, 1925, on the family farm, in Jewell Co. KS.  For the first year of his life, Elvie almost died from starvation, because of his inability to keep food down.  His mother resorted to feeding him mashed hard-cooked eggs mixed with milk.  Elvie then began to grow and thrive but his mother said that he was always small for his age and she attributed his small physical stature to this unfortunate situation.  Elvie attended Star school in Jewell Co.  His last years of grade school were completed in Hardy, NE.  Elvie stayed on the family farm to help his father.  They both loved farming and the land they toiled on.

On June 22, 1947, Elvin was united in marriage to Marjorie "Jean" Healey at the Christian Church in Burr Oak, KS.  The couple made their home on the Steier farm, 3 miles south of Hardy in Jewell Co. along the Republic and Jewell Co. boundary line.  To this union, five children were born; Cathy, Carla, Colleen, Cammie and Philip.  This marriage ended in divorce.

Elvin loved farm life.  He had the typical farmer's life of rising early and this remained a life-long habit.  Elvin irrigated his crops mostly by the ditch and siphon tube method.  He raised corn, wheat, and alfalfa.  Animals on the farm were also plentiful.  The family had cattle, horses, pigs, chickens and of course the family dogs and cats as pets.  When Elvin found a nest of abandoned baby quails, he brought them to the house for his family to care for.  Only one was able to survive the first few days.  The children named the quail Tweety-Bird and she became a family pet.  Elvin built a cage for Tweety to stay in when the weather allowed and the children fed her grasshoppers and bird seed.  Tweety was often allowed in the home and would watch TV and perch on the youngest daughter's head.  Elvin would not allow quail hunting on his land after this.  Tweety finally died of old age.  Elvin often reminisced about Tweety the quail.

Elvin usually had one, (and sometimes more), constant companion.  At least one of the family dogs would accompany him almost everywhere.  Elvin taught the dogs to jump in the back of his pickup truck and he also taught one to jump on the picnic table in the family yard (much to the chagrin of his wife).

Elvin often talked about his dad farming with literal horse power and the excitement he had when his dad got his first tractor.  Elvie was a John Deere man.  He made sure his children had John Deere toys to play with.  He purchased a John Deere pedal tractor for one of his daughters and many children enjoyed playing with this over the years.

Elvie was a hard worker and a good neighbor.  He would help out his fellow farm neighbors whenever he could.  Elvie like to socialize at the local coffee shop.  He would play cards and "shoot the breeze" with anyone willing to listen.  Elvie was a devoted son and worked on the family farm for all the years he was able.   He later moved to Superior and retired from farming because of medical reasons.

Elvin married Evelyn (Hunnell) Bergen at the Presbyterian Church in Superior, Ne on Feb. 10, 1990.  Through this union, he gained two step-sons and, Terry (Karla) and Tim (Roberta) Bergen.  Evelyn and Elvie made their home in Henderson, NE.  During this time, Elvie drove cars for Alexander Motors and he worked for Northern Pump & Irrigation part time.  Elvie loved driving, traveling and chatting to people.  Elvie and Evelyn spent winters in Texas.  They enjoyed making new friends and seeing the sights during this time.  They also knew other people who "wintered" in Texas in the same proximity and would enjoy get-togethers.  Elvin also collected John Deere toys during his later years.  He toured the John Deer plant in Iowa many years ago.  He liked reading about John Deere implements and learning about their history.

Elvie had extended family members in Iowa and Pennsylvania.  He enjoyed traveling to see them and visiting them on different occasions.  He liked to keep in touch with old friends and family.

After, Evelyn's death, Elvie continued to make his home in Henderson.  He was able to continue driving and living independently.  His declining health made it necessary for him to move to Henderson Care Center this past July.

Elvin will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  His children mourn the loss of their dad who loved his family farm and gave them deep roots in rural farm life.

Elvin was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; parents, P.N. and Mildred Steier; brother, Walter Steier, who died in infancy; sister, Enola Boylan; daughter Carla (Steier) Glebe, a granddaughter, Carissa Poppe, great-great granddaughter, Adelina Holloway; son-in-law, Clarence Holloway; sister-in-law Marilyn Jacobson and brothers-in-law, Cheslie Boylan and Curtis Jacobson.

Elvin is survived by children, Cathy Holloway, Winfield, KS, Colleen Utecht, Cammie Poppe and husband, Greg; and Philip Steier all of Hastings, NE; step-children Terry (Karla) Bergen; Tim (Roberta) Bergen; son-in-law, Ron Glebe, Superior; 11 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, 5 step great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and 7 step great-great grandchildren; special friend, Arma Jean (A.J) Whitney and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services for Elvin will be held at: Megrue-Price Funeral Home, Superior, Nebraska

Time of Service: Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:00 am

Clergy: Pastor Mark Diehl

Inurnment at a later date: Rosemound Cemetery, in Republic Co. Kansas

There is no viewing or visitation as Elvin donated his body to the Anatomical Board in Nebraska and will be cremated, per his wishes.

Memorials may be given to Price Funeral Home in Superior or to the family.

Funeral Home: Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900