Eugenius William Stegeman

Eugenius "Gene" William Stegeman, 93, of Taos, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born May 28, 1924, in Folk, Missouri, a son of the late August and Olivia Christine (Wilde) Stegeman. On April 14, 1948, Gene was united in marriage in Jefferson City to Martha Rackers, who survives at their home. Gene attended school in Folk, Missouri. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked as a truck driver for Orscheln Freight Lines where he was a member of Teamsters Local 833. After retirement, he was a school bus driver. He was a co-founder of the Taos Fire Department and Taos Liberty Senior Housing Center. He was president for 20 years for both organizations. He was also a Taos City Councilman, a member of the Taos Knights of Columbus and the Beekeepers Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, farming and spending time with his family. He was honored to be a participant of an Honor Flight. Gene is survived by his wife Martha, of over 69 years; daughters: Carol Balkenbusch (Kenny) of Linn, Wanda Cynova (Bob) of Taos, Vickie Koetting (Craig) of Osage Bend, Brenda Stegeman of Taos, and Joleen Koelling (Curt) of Osage Bend; 11 grandchildren: Angela Heckman (Chad), Kim Grega (Chris), Jeff Balkenbusch (Janna), Melissa Cynova Johnson (Joe), Matt Balkenbusch (Nicole), Anne Portell (Dustin), Darren Koelling (Lindsey), Justin Koelling (Bridget), Lauren VanderFeltz (Kaleb), Jacob Koelling and Sarah Koetting (fiance Codie Goeke); 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; one brother, Celsus Stegeman of Folk; three sisters, Dorothy Rustemeyer of Bonnots Mill, Marietta Schaefer and Margie Haslag of Loose Creek; and two special friends, Ron Walters and Mary Hoffmeyer. He was preceded in death by two infant sons; his parents; two brothers; Francis and Ralph Stegeman; two sisters, Norma Sandbothe and Lydia Luecke; and three brothers-in-law, Ferd Rustemeyer, Ray Luecke and Charles Sandbothe; and an infant great-grandson, Dakota Evans. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taos with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with Father Greg Meystrik officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow in the St. Stanislaus Mausoleum at Wardsville. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Francis Xavier Parish or Central Missouri Honor Flight. Arrangements are under the direction of the HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com