Magdalene M. Steffek, 100, of Hallettsville, was called to her heavenly home on August 20, 2018. She was born on November 10, 1917 to Joseph J. & Katherina Grahmann Haas in Hallettsville. She married Joe Nicholas Steffek on January 14, 1941, and together they raised eleven children on a farm. She was a member of the Christian Mothers and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Magdalene recalls her childhood environment as a loving one with fond memories of playing baseball, croquet, dominoes, and cards with her nine siblings. She attended Sacred Heart School through 9th grade, where she sang in the school choir. In her late teens, she worked with an elderly lady, earning $12 per month. She met her lifelong spouse, Joe N. Steffek, while working at the Hallettsville Tomato Shed. They were married on January 14, 1941, and resided in Yoakum before moving to Witting, TX. For 69 years, their marriage was based on commitment, love, and faith. Regardless if they were attending church, checking cattle, visiting the doctor, buying groceries, retiring for the night, or relaxing in the living room, they were always together. Together, they created glue that bonds a family, 208 members strong.

With the help of their children, Magdalene and Joe earned a living farming, ranching, and custom hay baling. Even at 100 years of age, Magdalene continued to own and enjoy her cattle.   Magdalene's delicious cooking and home baked goods including the best iced tea in Texas, chicken fried steak, kolaches, homemade bread, and chocolate cake were enjoyed by family and many farm workers as well.

Magdalene had a deep love for God's creations, especially flowers and birds, a gift passed down from her Mother. The good Lord blessed Magdalene with an amazing memory and mind. Until her final hours, she knew and recognized all 208 family members by name. Her children had the privilege of staying with her at night for the past 8 years, after the passing of her husband. It was truly a blessing from our good Lord. She never failed to say "Thank you, for staying with me". She was also thankful to have two caring daytime caregivers, Minnie Delgado and Elrose Ehler.

Humility, faith, forgiveness, family unity, and prayer were Magdalene's strong virtues, which she instilled in her family. She was an inspiration to her whole family; a matriarch that was admired and loved by each. She believed in sharing her Catholic faith with family and friends, praying daily for them, and faithfully participating in the Daily Mass, the Rosary, and The Divine Mercy on EWTN.

Magdalene is survived by: 11 children, Beatrice Welfl & husband Bobby, Elrose Migl & husband Frank, Dorothy Henke & husband Leo, Joseph Steffek & wife Gladys, David Steffek & wife Loretta, Daniel Steffek & wife Shirley, Mary Sklar & husband Leonard, Patrick Steffek & wife Carol, Magdalene Pustka & husband Bob, Frances Bock & husband John, and Monica Barnes & husband Claude; 41 grandchildren; 100 great grandchildren; and 1 great great granddaughter.

Magdalene was preceded in death by: her husband, Joe N. Steffek; daughter-in-law, Patricia Steffek, parents, 3 brothers, Frank J., Louis F., and Leo H. Haas; 6 sisters, Mary Kolos, Minnie Schraer, Cecilia Ogle, Annie Leopold, Agnes Bludau, and Rosie Bludau.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, August 23, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home; with Rosary starting at 7 pm. Pallbearers: Jared Barnes, Charles Bock, Leo J. Henke, Frankie Migl, Rodney Pustka, Scott Pustka, Paul Sklar, Darren Steffek, David J. Steffek, Dennis Steffek, Jeffrey Steffek, Ronnie Steffek, and Michael Welfl. Officiant: Msgr. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church/School or Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.