Laura Steffen

Laura Ann (Vorpahl) Steffen, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the age of 86. Laura was born on August 11, 1939, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Arnold and Catherine Florence (O'Keefe) Vorpahl.

A proud graduate of Albert Lea High School’s class of 1958, Laura went on to pursue a career in nursing, training as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Rochester, MN. She began her service at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she cared for countless patients with compassion and detailed attention.

On May 20 of 1961, Laura married the love of her life, Leon Steffen, at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. Laura was an active member of St. Theodore's parish and a valued participant in the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary.

Laura had a love for travel and connection. She cherished time spent with friends and family, whether hosting gatherings at home or enjoying the camaraderie of card clubs. Her adventures took her to many places and on many adventures; including trips to Germany, Florida, New Orleans, along the East Coast, Colorado and Branson many times.

Known for her beautiful flower garden, Laura’s love of beauty extended to every corner of her life. Her artistic touch was seen in her love for seasonally decorating her home, tending to her flower garden, and her love for sewing. Laura was an avid reader, and spent many hours immersed in books until her sight waned.

Laura’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward her love and light. She is survived by her children: Mary (Larry) Schroader of Albert Lea, MN; Cathy (Kirk) Cash of Farmington, MN; Mike (Peggy) of Spearfish, SD; and Melissa (John) Bien of Sioux Falls, SD. Her grandchildren—Josh (Sarah) Steffen, Melissa (Chadd) Chism, Jordan Schroader, Casey (Jenni) Schroader, Haley Schroader, Justin (Molly) Steffen, Finn Steffen, Tara (Joe) Heitzman, Alec Cash, Elizabeth (Drake Perez) Cash, Nathan Cash, Nicole Cash, Brandi Casey, Heidi Camp, Ben Bien, and Natalie Bien—were the lights of her life, as were her fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings: Pat Peters of Eden Prairie, MN; Tom (Carole) Vorpahl of Monument, CO; and her sister-in-law, Delia Schweitzer of Visalia, CA. In addition, her brother-in-law Jerry Loegering of Albert Lea, MN, along with many other extended family members and dear friends.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Florence Vorpahl; her beloved husband, Leon; her son, John; and her parents-in-law, Elmore and Ann Steffen; as well as her sister-in-law Shirley Vorpahl; and brother-in-law Dale Peters.

Laura’s life was one of faith, family and community. She touched so many lives with her kind heart, her unwavering faith, and her sense of joy in life’s simple pleasures. While we mourn her loss, we take comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind, knowing that her spirit lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Laura on Monday, January 12, 2026 at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church, 315 E Clark St, Albert Lea, MN 56007. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, followed by funeral mass beginning at 11 AM. Interment will follow services at St. Theodore’s Cemetery.