Obituary for Doyle Steffen

Doyle Gene Steffen

October 23, 1937 – April 15, 2023

Doyle Gene Steffen of Blackwell acquired his new heavenly address, surrounded by family, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the age of 85.

Doyle was born on October 23, 1937 to Harvey and Mable (Reese) Steffen on the family farm. He was the youngest of three sons. Doyle began school at Prairie Home Country School until it closed, moving to Nardin School, then graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1955.

Doyle married his high school sweetheart, Jacklynn Birdie Ganer, in Deer Creek on January 18, 1958. They made their home west of Blackwell in the Nardin area raising their four daughters. Like his father, Doyle had a great love of the land. He was a farmer by trade with Jackie and his four girls working closely by his side. In his early years, he traveled North as a custom-harvester. Doyle was a self-taught auctioneer, selling his first sale in 1969, and continuing with numerous household and estate auctions. In 1979, Doyle, alongside local co-auctioneer, Jack Savage, began the long-running Steffen and Savage Real Estate and Auction Company; where the business grew into selling multiple farms, along with many machinery and household auctions. In the 1980’s, Doyle enjoyed a brief stent in the dozer business. He also volunteered as a storm chaser in the Kay County area for several years.

Doyle and Jackie purchased Hometown Realtors in 1998 where he was a real estate broker, selling primarily farms and residential real estate. He continued his love for auctioneering, providing his services to the surrounding areas for many years.

In 2012, Doyle and Jackie left the family farm and moved to Blackwell. Doyle retired from farming, directing all his efforts toward real estate. Doyle and Jackie operated Hometown Realtors/Steffen Real Estate and Auction until he retired in 2021.

Doyle’s heartbeat was sharing his talents with churches and various organizations throughout much of Oklahoma. He was always willing to share his time selling benefit bazaars and auctions. He had a flair for entertaining, as only Doyle could do, using his all-encompassing humor.

Doyle took delight in many hobbies throughout the years including quail hunting, coyote hunting, riding horses, drinking coffee with friends and sharing stories. The joy derived from singing with Jackie and his girls was unmatched. This includes the blessing many have received by Doyle and Jackie harmoniously singing on birthdays for family and friends. The Steffens were a “corner-lot staple” at the Kay County Free Fair each year, with Doyle always willing to entertain with a story or simply listen to yours. He enjoyed taking grandkids on four-wheeler rides, having family and friends visit the farm for camp fires, fireworks, and scavenger hunts. He was famous for being the life of the party with his stories and making the best head cheese and chocolate malts

He loved his wife and family most of all, but his dogs and his horses were a close second.

The Nardin Church was the center of life for Doyle and his family. It was their place of worship, ministry, and community. All four of his daughters were married there. Doyle and Jackie encountered the true love of Jesus in the early years of their marriage. That personal experience transformed their hearts and lives to live everyday for Him. Through them, their family and countless others have come to know Christ Jesus as their personal Savior.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 20th in the Nardin Church with Rev. Eric Fischer officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be his sons-in-law, Dave Buesing, Scott Shepherd, Todd Goodman, and grandsons, Josh Hiten, Justin Shepherd, Jensen Blundell and Jake Goodman

This is his legacy:

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Jackie, of the home. His four daughters; Jill Buesing (Dave) of Blackwell, Jan Steffen of Oklahoma City, June Shepherd (Scott) of Blackwell, and Jo Goodman (Todd) of Blackwell.

His grandchildren, Joshua Hiten, Kyndal Medina, Nicki Greenfield, Julie Buesing, Jilly Blundell, Jensen Blundell, Jackson Blundell, Justin Shepherd, Kortney Dell, Kandee Little, Kelsey Little and Jake Goodman

Doyle was also great grandfather to sixteen precious children.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Marvin Steffen and Jack Steffen and wife, Carolyn. Grandchild, Kolby Goodman and great grandchild, Miles Little.

A memorial has been established in Doyle’s honor with the Nardin Church, 108 W. Main Street, Nardin, Oklahoma 74646.