Richard "Big" Steffens

Richard “Big” Steffens (Dwayne), 62, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully at Methodist hospital August 12, 2020, after his battle with cancer.

He was born July 19, 1958 to Richard and Beverly in Des Moines, Iowa. Richie attended Lincoln High School, and then went to Job Corps for career training. He worked at Hy-Vee Construction for 20 + years where his co-workers became his family and up until his last days was determined to return to work. He married his soul mate Bobbie Jo Benefiel in 1977 and together they had “Little” Richard Steffens III. Later, their family was blessed with “furbabies” Hank and Memphis.

“Big” is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bobbie Jo Steffens who he fondly referred to as BoJo; son, Richard “Little” Steffens III; step-father, Larry Speck; siblings, William “Dink” (Dee) Steffens, Richard “Danny” (Sherry) Steffens, Melody Robertson, and Sherry Lynn (Clint) Gavin; mother-in-law, Irene Benefiel, in-laws, Trina (Denny) Woods, Jennifer (Jeff) Yoder, Melissa Benefiel, Carmen (Pat) O’Neal, and Joaquin (Carolyn) Benefiel; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bev Speck; father, Richard Steffens; his beloved dogs (the babies), Hank and Memphis Steffens; and father in-law, Robert Benefiel.

Big had a personality that fit his nickname perfectly. He made his mark on the hearts of everyone he knew. He liked the biggest and the best. Perhaps the biggest of all was his love for family. Most importantly he loved his wife Bobbie Jo and his son “Little” so passionately. It was beautiful to witness his love for them. In the end, he was in his hospital room still calling for Bobbie Jo. Their love was so special. The kind of love everyone dreams of having. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his son “Little”. His love for “Little” and the father/son bond that they shared was second to none.

One of his favorite things to do was shower Bobbie Jo with gifts as a token of the love they shared. Everyone wanted Big to draw their name at Christmas time. He was so generous and always gave the best gifts. He had a huge heart. People respected him. He was someone to look up to for good advice, and someone who would listen if you needed an ear. Without fail, if anyone was in trouble or needed help, he was the first to be there. Nobody wanted to make Big mad, if you did, you are going home with your tail between your legs because he didn’t back down from anyone.

Perhaps what people remember the most about Big is his infectious laugh. You couldn’t be in a room with him and not laugh when he was laughing. He could be grumpy, but those are also some of our funniest memories of him, not because we were making fun of him, but because his passion was coming out. When Big spoke, he had a commanding presence that you couldn’t help but love. He had the ability to make your stomach hurt and keep you giggling about it the next day because you laughed so hard at something he said or did.

Richie had a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone he knew. Whether it was his family, friends, or a complete stranger. When he loved, he loved hard. He treated his nieces and nephews as his own and enjoyed playing around with them and making them laugh.

He had a love for Camping with his family. His motorhome was their home away from home. Almost every weekend if you wanted to see “Big” you knew where to find him...at Webb’s Campground. His campsite was easy to find. Just look for biggest most impressive motorhome with a souped up golf cart combined with the smell of meat on the smoker and you would find them. “Big” could often be found driving the golf cart around with his “babies” Memphis and Hank.

Big Richie was BIG in everything he did. He loved celebrating the Fourth of July at Webb’s and always invited family and friends to join them for the fireworks. He made quick friends at Webb’s, and without a doubt, they also feel the loss of Big. Every year, Richie would throw Bobbie Jo a pool party for her birthday. We will be forever reminiscing on all of the fun we had at those pool parties. He enjoyed taking trips on the motorcycle. Big loved to travel and as soon as he got back from one adventure, he would start planning the next. He and his family had an upcoming trip to South Dakota planned.

Richie always loved his Lord and savior and used his faith as a guiding compass. Even in the end, he recommitted his trust, belief, and confidence in the Lord to bring him up above and be greeted with excitement and open arms of the ones who have gone before him.

The family will greet friends on Sunday, August 16, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Assembly of God Church, 5051 NE 5th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Big Richie will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the family in loving memory of Big Richie.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Buroker and his staff at Mission Cancer + Blood for their outstanding care and respect for Big.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

“THE BIGGEST MAN I EVER KNEW”

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