John Thomas Steichen

Steichen, John Thomas, age 86 of Fridley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 27, 2023, after courageously battling cancer for many years. Born on April 29, 1936 in Watertown, South Dakota to Tom and Virginia (Webster) Steichen. John graduated from South St. Paul High School, the University of Denver and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. John enjoyed a long and successful career in the restaurant industry and will always be remembered for cooking for 28 years at his happy place, William’s Dinette, at the Minnesota State Fair. To meet him was to like him, to get to know him was to love him. He was a kind, gentle and compassionate man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, traveling the world, including 12 winters in Destin, FL, golfing, and, most importantly, his family. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life Marlene, who entertained him for 60 wonderful years, his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-law Frank and Rose Niederhofer, sister Peggy Pedersen and sister-in law Natalie Clinch. Survived by his wife Marlene, sons Steve (Gretchen), Stuart (Kristie) and Thomas (Sheila), and his siblings Nick Steichen (Anita), Lynne Loftus and Mary Baumann (Steve). John will be especially missed by his pride and joy, his seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Geoffrey (Sara), Patrick, Frances, Maeve, Ava and Charlie. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any cancer research organization.

A funeral will be planned for a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralservices.com for the Steichen family.