Michael L. Steffen, 77, of North Palm Beach, Fla., formerly of Sarver, died Saturday with his wife by his side.

Born May 23, 1929, in Natrona, he was the son of Lawrence W. and Helen Rehak Steffen.

He was a 1947 graduate of St. Joseph High School.

A self-employed businessman, he was a successful homebuilder in the Alle-Kiskl Valley for 25 years and subsequently owned and operated the Kittanning Dairy Queen and various other businesses.

Mr. Steffen a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Natrona Heights for years. He served as an usher and was instrumental in designing and remodeling the sanctuary of the church several years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish with family members at his camp in Rural Valley.

He and his wife of 11 years, Gwen, enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and touring Europe. He also enjoyed playing poker with his buddies.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by her children, Peter and Trecei; his sons, Michael A. (Lori) Steffen of Blairsville, Lawrence W. (Cindy) Steffen of Saxonburg and Christopher R. Steffen of Sarver; daughters, Sharon (David) Gawaluck of Lakeland, Fla., Mary Ann (Jerry) Tegethoff and Gail (Jeff) Hinchberger, both of Sarver, and Julie (Brad) Turvey of St. Louis, Mo.; and a sister, Mary Ellen Popovich, of Palm Desert, Calif.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Emily, Elizabeth, Ben, Stephanie, Jason, Dana, Steven, Danny, Malia and Savannah; and great-grandson, Noah.

He met his first wife, Rose Marie Runco Steffen, in high school; and they were married Jan. 28, 1950. She died Jan. 19, 1994. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Louise Westerman, and by his Uncle Bill.

<B>STEFFEN</B> — Friends of Michael L. Steffen, who died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home</B>, 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights.A blessing service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Natrona Heights. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Cemetery, Freeport.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rose Marie Steffen Scholarship Fund, c/o Beverly Kaneicki, St. Joseph High School, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights, PA 15065.