Jack Donald Steppelman

Jack Donald Steppelman, 85, of Jefferson City, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 29, 2014. He was born March 2, 1929, in Jefferson City, Mo., a son of the late Percy and Irene (Ott) Steppelman. He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1947. Jack continued through the years to serve on his class reunion committees and designed their decorations. Several weeks ago he attended the monthly dinner with classmates of '47. He attended Westminster College in Fulton, Jefferson City Junior College and graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army as a dental assistant in the Medical Corp at Fort Leonard Wood from 1952-1954. On February 14, 1952, Jack was united in marriage at Louis L. Ott's home on Moreau Drive in Jefferson City to Peggy White, his childhood sweetheart, who preceded him in death on May 21, 1994. He later purchased the Ott home where his family resided for 34 years. In 1955 he opened Jacques Distinctive Fashions on E. High Street downtown. He added a children's wear shop in 1957, opened the bridal store in 1960, and added a tuxedo store in 1983. He sold his businesses and retired in 1994. He was also a co-owner of Ott Realty Company. Jack was a lifetime member and past Deacon of the Central United Church of Christ. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 2010 he received his 50 year card from the Jefferson Lodge No. 43, AF & AM, Masonic Lodge. He was a past member of Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Jefferson City Country Club, J.C. Booster Club, American Legion and past president of Young Republicans Club. He participated in the Prime Time Club at UCC Church. His more recent favorite pastime was playing dominoes with his friends, 5 Dots and a Dash. Steppelman, also known as "Mr. Christmas", will be missed by many of all ages who made it a family tradition to view his Winter Wonderland. He started Christmas decorating as a teenager, continued at Fort Leonard Wood, and was a co-originator of Christmas Card Lane on Dixon Drive. His display grew when he moved to Moreau Drive. He constructed a stable for Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus and had life size wisemen with camels, cows, and shepherds with sheep across the lawn. The nativity scene moved with him to Leslie Blvd. He also transformed his garage into a wonderful Snow Village. Many years he passed out candy canes to children viewing the Village. Jack always said his display was his way of giving back to the community. He won many awards throughout the years for his Christmas displays. Jack is survived by: two daughters, Stephanie Biggs (husband Jim) and Stacia Mills (husband Lewis), both of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Austin Biggs, Braden Biggs, Robinson Mills and Rachel Mills, all of Jefferson City; two step-grandchildren, Michael Biggs of Austin, Texas and Michele Boatman of Oklahoma City, Okla.; five great-step-grandchildren; and one brother, Jerry Steppelman of Jefferson City. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jim Steppelman. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Central United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Central United Church of Christ, 118 West Ashley Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of 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