1934
Thomas
2021
Thomas D. Steffen
March 25, 1934 — June 15, 2021
Tom will forever be remembered for his devotion, commitment, and passion for the community of Bennington (and Cleveland based sports teams). His first calling was to his wife Nancy Jean, whom he met in a Cleveland High School. Their relationship grew through church youth outings and strengthened throughout college and Seminary studies. Married in February of 1957, the 64-year bond continues in soul and spirit. Tom's professional calling began with his ordination into the United Church of Christ October 16, 1960. He served briefly as a minister in Lancaster, MA and then accepted a position as pastor of Second Congregational Church in Bennington in 1965. A post he faithfully maintained for 29 years. With over 1,500 sermons including his famous improvised "Brown Bag" sermons, celebrating countless weddings, anointing over a hundred baptisms, too many funerals, and counseling available 24/7 (except during Cleveland Brown's football games), Tom's service and love for his job helped the community and the congregation grow and heal in ways too numerous to mention. Bennington remained home for Tom, with roots reaching in many directions beyond his historic ministry. Tom was not fully satisfied with his endless volunteerism; he desired a bit of control, so he added board membership to his docket. The Bennington school board, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Board, and Old Castle Theatre Company, where he won the "I saw Jacque Brel The Most" award were among those he served. Tom practiced what he preached (most of the time) and realized that the power of one is stronger in numbers, so the Tom and Nancy Jean partnership grew even more. Teamed up as the dynamic duo, Bennington's community and its' children were forever changed by their summer hiking trips along the Long Trail, formation of the Bennington Pedal People with cycling trips throughout the Northeast, Mid-west, Canada and Europe, and his devotion to the sport of downhill and cross-country skiing. Tom's voice was clearly heard as he called the names and bib numbers of countless racers at Woodford State Park, Greenwood Lodge area and Prospect Mountain. Racer's whose children's names were also echoed by Tom. The duo rarely slowed, finding new passions for gardening, and elder hostel travels; adventures that would take them to over 30 countries. Tom was constantly thinking about ways to use his divinity of table saws and tools inherited from his father to creatively solve problems around the home and yard. These skills were showcased in his flower beds, gardens, and homemade structures that spanned the decades. Along the way, he picked up canoeing and kayaking; a new way to experience and enjoy life and friendship. Tom has now added death to his life experiences, closed the book on his bodily time on earth, opening a new beginning, exploring places unknown with old souls, especially, his recently deceased son David. Together, we celebrate his new journey by sharing memories of his life.
Tom would likely ask that you go into the world with faith, hold fast to that which is good, help the afflicted, be of good courage, love one another and REJOICE!
A private committal will take place at Park Lawn Cemetery. The community is invited to gather for a celebration of life at Second Congregational Church Friday July 30, 2021 at 3:00pm. Reception to follow from 4-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Tom and his family would encourage donations to the Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, GBICS Food and Fuel Assistance Project, Prospect Mountain Association, Old Castle Theatre Company or Second Congregational Church through the office at Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas D. Steffen, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Friday, July 30, 2021
Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Second Congregational Church
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