Eugene E. "Gene" Steben, 79, of Effingham, passed away Thursday morning, March 1, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Effingham, with burial in Arborcrest Memorial Park, west of Effingham. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Bauer Funeral Home, Effingham, and will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to St. John's Food Pantry. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.

Gene was born June 23, 1938, in Elmhurst, the son of Edwin and Tillie (Beccue) Steben. He married Luella H. Duckwitz on November 16, 1957 and she preceded him in death in 2012. After moving to Effingham from Altamont, they became members of St. John's Lutheran Church, Effingham. Gene was a retired truck driver, hauling gas and mail. He enjoyed spending time with his family and had a lifelong commitment to his faith.

Eugene is survived by his son, Randy of Altamont; daughters, Brenda (Roger) Evans of Altamont and Marlene (Gail) Bushue of Effingham; eight grandchildren, Tyler (Miriam) Evans, Traci (John) Bruns, Greg Bushue, Grant (Molly) Bushue, Gevin Bushue, Holly (Brian) Lewis, David (Kaiti) Steben and Amber (Leon) Burry; nine great-grandchildren, Chloe, Jasper, John, Emma, Owen, Ella, Robert, Mia and Carley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and great-granddaughter, Aisley Jo Steben.