Sylvester "Jim" J. Steffl, age 85, walked home with Jesus on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital.  He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.  Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate a life well lived will be Thursday May 7 ^th at 11 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, MN.  Visitation will be from 4 - 8pm Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, along with one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery, DeGraff, MN. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Jim was born January 18, 1930 to Sylvester and Philomena (Matter) Steffl in Redwood County, MN. He grew up and attended school in rural Springfield, MN. On October 14, 1950, he married Dorothy Petersen at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, MN. The couple started their family in DeGraff, MN where they farmed and owned and operated Steffl Well Drillers, Inc. In 1975, they moved to the beautiful shores of Lake Minnewaska near Starbuck in Pope County, MN, where they enjoyed lake living.  At that time they also relocated the well drilling business to a shop in Glenwood, where Jim worked along with his son, Jim, and daughter, LeeAnn, until his retirement in 1998. Jim and Dorothy enjoyed 45 years of marriage before her death in 1996. After Dorothy passed away, Jim met Barbara Owen. He and Barbara have been wonderful companions for 15 years. They made their home at the lake until the time of his death.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church of Glenwood, and sponsored and supported many in the AA program. On May 9 ^th , Jim was to receive his 25-year medallion. Jim was very involved in the Central Minnesota TEC and REC programs. It was here where he became known as "Papa Jim".  Jim used what he had gained from his TEC experience to make a difference in his own life, and in the lives of others, through mentoring and friendship.

Jim loved attending to his yard and flower gardens. He especially loved his roses and couldn't wait for someone to visit, so he could pick one just for them, and tell them, "You're the Best One".

Whether in a boat or a fish house, Jim spent countless hours fishing on Lake Minnewaska. He knew of every walleye hole on the lake, and was almost too enthusiastic (as his son-in-laws would say) about directing people where to find their catch. Fishing was a family tradition, with many photos and memories to show for it.

Another part of Jim's family life was his love for music. Jim and Dorothy played in an old time country band in the 1950's. She played guitar and sang while Jim played a homemade bass called "The Gizmo". He later supported the musical talent of his daughters, who became "The Steffl Sisters". There was always music in his home. His proudest moments were when his children and grandchildren would play and sing.

Jim was a card shark, from whist, to 500, from Sheephead to Black Jack. He could remember every last hand that was played and would be more than happy to tell you which card you "should have played"….to win.

You could always count on finding two things in Jim's freezer: a "few" packages of Minnewaska walleye and a gallon of Schwann's ice cream. He was very generous with his portions, and he loved to spoil his grandkids with ice cream no matter what time of day. Papa was the best malt maker in the world.

Family and friends were the core of Jim's life. He touched many lives and made countless friends. He had no problem chatting with and befriending new people, and once you were lucky enough to receive a Papa Jim hug, you were his.

Jim is survived by his fiancé, Barbara Owen of Starbuck, his Children, LeeAnn (Brad) Braaten, Susan (David) Braaten, Julie (Jim "Swede") Dahl, James Steffl, Mary Jo (Tom) Weitzel and Becky Jo (Daniel) Lundgren. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 11.5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy in 1996; two infant daughters; an infant grandson, Andrew Braaten and a great-grandchild, Onyx Ploof; his brothers, Lowell, Donald, Kenneth, Cyril, three nephews and one great nephew.