Sylvanus Frank Stegman

Sylvanus Frank Stegman of Derby, Kansas went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2025. Lovingly known as Sy to his family and friends, he was born on April 21, 1929 to parents Frank J. and Mary M. (Rohr) Stegman on their family farm in Loretta, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and grandson Jeremy Hufford. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Bernice Marie (Kline) Stegman, daughter Patricia (Mark) Kiehne of Quinlan, Texas, son Allen (Karen) Stegman of Yukon, Oklahoma, and daughter Sally (David) Hufford of Derby, Kansas, as well as seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and sisters Irene Linenberger and Martina Stegman, OP.

Sy was a proud veteran of the Korean War. After returning from Korea he served as the manager of the Bison grain elevators, worked for the United States Bureau of Mines as a helium plant operator in the Oklahoma panhandle and later Satanta, Kansas before taking a job with Cities Service Gas Company (later Oxy) where he was employed as a meter man until his retirement in 1993. After retirement he and Bernice moved to Enid, Oklahoma where they resided for 20 years until moving to Derby in 2013. He was an avid hunter, boater and fisherman and belonged to many fishing clubs. He entered and won several bass tournaments. He enjoyed camping and taking cruises and teaching family members how to water ski.

While residing in Satanta he belonged to the volunteer fire department where he served as Chief for several years. He belonged to many organizations and was active in the American Legion, VFW, Lions Club and Knights of Columbus. Sy was an accomplished carpenter and helped to build St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Satanta. He completed many home improvement projects in the homes where he resided and was always helpful with his children’s home improvements, too. He could truly walk his children through any repair or he would get into the car and drive to their home to fix it himself.

The funeral will be Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas, beginning with the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas or St. Mary Catholic Church in Derby, Kansas.