Deceased Members–2010

In Memory of Walter William Steffen

Walter William Steffen, FSA, MAAA, of Naples, Florida, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2010. He was 92.

Born on a farm near Leipsic, Ohio in 1918, Steffen graduated from the University of Michigan in actuarial science. While in the army, he completed his nine exams to qualify as an actuary; thus, achieving his dream (in 1949) of becoming a member of the Society of Actuaries.

He raised his family in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he spent the majority of his career. Steffen retired as senior vice president of Reinsurance at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, and was an elected member of the Board of Governors of the Society of Actuaries. During and following his distinguished career, he served on various boards, some of which were in Europe. After retirement, he became CEO of American Life Insurance Company and began a private consulting practice. He served as president and board member of Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne and was on the Lay Board of Directors of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

Steffen had an amazingly full, active and wondrous life. He was a joyful man, a skilled leader in his field of business, and loved competition and challenges. When he was no longer able to play his favorite game of golf at Imperial Golf Club, he turned his talents and acumen to the game of bridge. He loved the game and often said it kept his intellect alive. Steffen was truly competitive and played many times against bridge great Oswald Jacoby and in partnership with Easley Blackwood. A life master for many years, he accumulated well over 2,000 points.

Full of curiosity, Steffen was referred to by many, whom he was privileged to call a friend, as a true Renaissance man. He will be remembered as being a kind and gentle man of exceptional character who loved and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with his large close-knit family. An animal lover, he had a wonderful companionship with his precious dogs, Demitasse and Tatiana.

Steffen is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Anne; his four beloved children and their spouses, David Steffen (Jan), Kathryn Schoenle (Paul David), Barbara Lowden (Stephen), Joseph Steffen (Mala), and their mother Elizabeth, all of Indiana; 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Anne's loving children and their spouses: Bradley Bridges (Sally), Champagne-Urbana, Illinois; Milissa Cameron (Cam), Baltimore, Maryland; John Bridges (Debra), Newberg, Oregon; Sarah Bridges, Baltimore, Maryland, and six grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities of Collier County, Family Counseling Center, 2210 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34116; The Naples Bridge Center, 5865 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, Florida 34116; or your favorite charity.