Joan Steger

Joan Ruth Steger, 90, of Aurora, Colo., passed away on August 24, 2020. She was the loving wife of Norbert Steger for 66 years.

Joan is survived by Norbert and their four children, Cynthia Griffeth-Matoush (Lee), Paul (Dayna Severson), Robert (Nena Zeiger), and Donna Ferguson (Mark). Grandchildren include Angela Green (Ryan), Chad (Jenna Tuura), Brock, Andrew (Sarah Bailey), David (Robin Emerson), Peter Ferguson, Trevor, Robert Ferguson, Tabitha, Nathan Matoush, and Ryan Matoush. Great-grandchildren are Ella, Maci, and Piper Green, and Liivi Steger. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Those preceding Joan in death include brother Donald Hoerres, son in-law Patrick Griffeth, and great-granddaughter Viona Steger.

Joan was born on November 11, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Ruth (Hess) and Henry Hoerres. As a young girl, Joan and her family moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., and returned to the Milwaukee area when she was in her teens. Joan graduated from Messmer High School in 1947. She completed a secretarial curriculum and throughout her life worked at the Milwaukee Fire Department, Trains magazine, legal firms, and Excelsior Youth Center.

Joan and Norbert met at an Eagles Ballroom dance in Milwaukee, fell in love, and were married in 1953 after he had returned from service in the U.S. Army. They moved to Colorado in the early 1980s. Joan was a life-long Catholic and, with Norbert, belonged to Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Aurora, where they volunteered as greeters.

Joan's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved to talk about their talents and adventures.

But Joan also liked to do her own thing, especially when it came to travel. She and Norbert enjoyed several long trips exploring America in their van. She loved the water, waves, and swimming in the ocean. She was also thrilled traveling by airplane and just being in an airport. She visited Las Vegas numerous times with Norbert and other friends and family. She loved looking at glitzy hotel lobbies, luxurious buildings with manicured grounds, mesmerizing fountains, and all the rest that goes with Vegas.

Though travel was much more challenging in the past few years, Joan was ALWAYS game to go for a car ride, participate in family gatherings, escape to a shopping mall to people-watch, eat at crowded restaurants, or just plain go bumming. She recently was in awe of an enormous field of sunflowers near Denver International Airport during sunset. No matter what her physical ailments were, she liked to go!

Joan was also an avid card player who loved playing 500 with family and friends into the wee hours.

Another pastime Joan enjoyed was going to "the Hill," which was her nickname for Blackhawk and Central City, Colo. She loved the scenic ride there and back. It was while playing nickel poker that she suffered a fatal heart attack. We're grateful that Joan died while doing something she enjoyed and didn't experience prolonged suffering.

Joan's smile and optimism brought happiness to all who knew her. Our family and friends are very sad that Joan is gone, and we will miss her forever.

We would like to thank Chaplain Betsy Phelan at St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver for her kindness and spiritual care during this difficult time.

A memorial service for Joan will be held at 1:15 p.m. on September 17 at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service is limited to immediate family and close friends.