Mike was born on May 18, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa. His father was a Methodist minister so Mike spent much of his youth living in towns throughout southern Iowa. His family moved so often that Mike says the longest he ever stayed in one place was when he reached college and lived in a fraternity house! Jean, on the other hand, had a more stationary upbringing. She was born on June 15, 1938, in Moline, IL, and spent all of her childhood there. Jean graduated from Moline High School and was excited to pursue her educational goals.

Mike and Jean met while they were students at Iowa State University. Mike graduated in 1959 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. In February of 1960, Jean graduated from Iowa State University with a Zoology degree. One month later, they were married.

Mike was stationed with the Navy in San Diego for his active duty service. After three years, the couple wound up back in Moline. It was at this time that Mike received a position with Parr Instrument Company.

Jean and Mike are the proud parents of Doug and Sandy. Doug and his wife live in Wilmette, IL, with their two daughters. Doug is an attorney with a law office in Chicago. Sandy, her husband, and their two daughters reside in Lafayette, CA. Both work as emergency medicine physicians.

The Steffensons are active in many local community events and they are on the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. They chose to establish a fund with the Community Foundation because they felt it was a convenient, efficient, and well-managed way for them to carry out their charitable giving. Their fund allows them the flexibility to contribute to various community needs as they arise and vary from year to year.

Foundation Funds

A Foundation Endowment fund provides a convenient and flexible tool for individuals, families and organizations to remain personally involved in suggesting uses for their gift. People with a range of community interests find that this fund is an ideal vehicle for fulfilling charitable wishes.