Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Jerome W. Steffe, "Jerry"

Passed away on August 14, 2026

Jerome (Jerry) Walter Steffe, age 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on August 14, 2026. Born on September 14, 1935, in Jasper, Indiana, Jerome was the beloved son of Genevieve (Schepers) and William Steffe. His early life in Jasper and Indiana National Guard service shaped the values of faith, service, and dedication that he carried throughout his life.

Jerome is survived by his siblings Dennis (Vonda) Steffe, Ruth (the late Ron) Rowekamp, and Darlene Steffe and his brother-in-law John (Julie) Rozcicha.  Preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Steffe.

Jerome married the love of his life, Maryellen (Rozcicha), on August 22, 1964. Together they built a family grounded in commitment, love, and unwavering support. He was a devoted father to Rebecca (Henry) Lizcano, Jennifer (Andy) Wold, and Anthony Steffe, and a proud grandfather to Nadine, Sophia, Justin, Nicholas, Jonathan, and Lauren—each of whom brought him immense joy.

A lifelong learner and educator, Jerome graduated from Indiana University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Purdue University in 1966 and in 1974 graduated from the University of Illinois with a focus on education administration, further deepening his commitment to academic excellence.

Jerome began his math teaching career in 1963 at Horace Mann in Gary, IN. In 1967 he joined Thornridge High School as a math teacher, where his passion for teaching and leadership led him to serve as Department Chairperson, shaping generations of students with his steady guidance and love of mathematics. Jerome also dedicated many years to adult education as Head of Night School at South Suburban Community College, believing strongly in the power of education at every stage of life.

Faith and service were central pillars of Jerome’s life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 70 years and a member of the 4th Degree, a remarkable testament to his commitment to faith, charity and community. A gifted and enthusiastic singer, Jerome was a lifelong church choir member, lending his voice to worship with joy and devotion. For 32 years, he was an active parishioner of St. John the Evangelist, where he found deep spiritual connection and lasting friendships.

Jerome will be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm and friendly smile, his steadfast faith, his love of teaching, and the quiet strength he brought to every room he entered. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the students he inspired, and the community he served so faithfully.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A special thank you to Cris Nilson at Amada and the staff at Unity Hospice.

Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to St. John Evangelist Church or St. Meinrad Archabbey in St Meinrad, IN.

Funeral

Prayers at Elmwood Funeral Chapel
Friday, August 28, 2026 - 9:30 am

Funeral Mass:
St. John the Evangelist Church - Day Chapel
11301 W. 93rd Ave. (Corner of 93rd and 41)
St. John, Indiana 46373
Friday, August 28, 2026 - 10:00 am

Interment:
St. John the Evangelist Church Cemetery
11301 W. 93rd Ave.
St. John, Indiana 46373

Visitation Location

St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474

Map

Visitation Information

Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Prayer Service
Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Condolences
"With a joyful heart I supported the Steffe family. Such an honor and inspiration it was to witness how a life of love and unwavering faith can carry a family through the challenges of the final stage of a loved one's life. Jerry always greeted me with a smile that was contagious and was eager to lend a hand and be useful wherever he could. Jerry, Maryellen and the entire Steffe family will always hold a special place in my heart. May you be comforted in God's everlasting love and strengthened through the days ahead."
- Cris Nilson
August 18, 2026 11:04 am
"Many years ago, Jerry was a member of our bowling district 205 Team.. I was in Thornwood’s math department. Good times had by all. I enjoyed getting to know him better..My deepest condolences to his family; he certainly was an exceptional person"
- Nancy Shifrin
August 21, 2026 11:57 am
"I was so blessed to start my teaching career (1990) at Thornridge High School in Jerry Steffe's department! He was always kind and encouraging to me, always a positive light- I'm forever grateful! My deepest condolences to all family and friends."
- Wendy McDevitt
August 21, 2026 2:24 pm
"To Jerry's family and friends...Please accept my condolences on his passing. He was a good man, a kind and caring person, and a wonderful educator. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at Thornridge High School. We had many wonderful conversation during those years, many times his giving me valuable advice. Though he was a soft-spoken man, I found Jerry to be very engaging, interesting and humorous. Honestly, every time our paths crossed in the hallways he always had a smile on his face. You had no choice but to smile back. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant him peace and serenity for all time. Lee R. Talley Tinley Park (Retired Thornridge High School Educator) "
- Lee R. Talley
August 22, 2026 10:04 pm
"Sending my deepest condolences to Maryellen, Anthony, Rebecca, Jennifer, and the entire family. Jerry was such a kind, uplifting man, and I will always remember the genuine warmth, friendliness, and optimism he showed toward my mom and me. That meant the world to our family. He lived a truly wonderful life of faith and service, and he will be dearly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
- Roxanne Lizcano
August 30, 2026 1:37 pm
"My condolences. Mr. Steffe was one of the best teachers I ever had. As my 7th grade math teacher, Mr. Steffe’s wide-ranging math interests and contagious enthusiasm for math ignited my own interest in math. While I never became a gifted mathematician, I became comfortable using numbers in my professional and personal life. Jerome Steffe was a positive influence on many lives. "
- Stephen E Kraft
September 6, 2026 10:35 am
Candles Lit
"We knew Jerry from Thornridge, and then later as a St. John neighbor when we lived around the block on Schafer Dr. Whenever we were on our neighborhood walks, Jerry always greeted us with that special smile and neighborly conversation. He was usually doing yard work, while Maryellen was tending to her beautiful flowers. The house and grounds were always immaculate, so it was a pleasure to walk by and admire the tidiness of the Steffe home. Our deepest sympathies go out to Maryellen and the entire Steffe family. We hope you hold onto the wonderful memories of times well spent with Jerry. He was a very kind and special individual who will be deeply missed, but forever remembered. "
- Ron and Gayle Zeilenga
August 20, 2026 9:21 pm
"I personally remember the wonderful times of spiritual fellowship with Jerry and Maryellen. We talked about family life, spiritual life and the privilege that we had as followers of our Lird Jesus Christ. Both Jerry and Maryellen were seekers of the Bible and learning from it to not only their own spiritual growth but also passing on that desire and passion for the Bible. They were as many have said, were wonderful, supportive, and active servants in the St. John the Evangelist parish. May God’s blessings always be theirs for all of eternity. "
- Dcn Robert Viviano
August 21, 2026 8:49 pm