Brandon K. Steffey

The remains of Specialist Steffey was brought home to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Monday, November 2nd arriving 7:30am at Chippewa County International Airport. An Honor Guard met the plane at Chippewa County International Airport. Specialist Steffey was transported from the airport by special escort to the Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Specialist Steffey will be transported from Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home located at 113 Maple Street, downtown Sault Ste. Marie by special escort at 11:00am. The procession will then travel south on Ashmun Street to Marquette Avenue then east on Marquette Avenue to Sault Area High School.Support for the Steffey family may be shown by participation along the procession route on Wednesday, and through attendance during visitation and the funeral service on Wednesday at the high school. SPC Brandon Keith Steffey, 23, gave his life in Operation Enduring Freedom on Sunday October 25, 2009 in Afghanistan. He was on his second tour along with his K-9 partner Maci. Brandon was born on October 6th, 1986 in Sault Ste. Marie at War Memorial Hospital to Dennis and Rachel Steffey. As a young child, Brandon played in many sports - wrestling, hockey and baseball being his favorites. He occasionally attempted to take down his father in wrestling, but it wasn''t until many years later after army training, that he was able to best him. Brandon was able to make the best of any situation. This was evident during his Senior year at Sault High when after transferring to Brimley, a parent described him by saying that he "breathed life back into the baseball program." Brandon was admired by so many people for his manners and politeness. Everyone who knew Brandon loved him and his smile. He was a tough guy with a contagious laugh, a gentle giant as some described him. Aside from everything else that he accomplished, he was a huge influence on many who knew him, most of all his nephew Connor, who from a very early age looked up to him. Preceding Brandon in death was his grandmother Madeline Southall. Brandon is survived by his wife Andrea and daughter Abigail Grace of San Antonio, Texas parents, father Dennis Steffey, mother Rachel (David) Humpf both of Sault Ste Marie. Also surviving Brandon, is his sister Heather Steffey, nephew Connor VanLuven and his best friend, Nicholas Frazier all of Sault Ste. Marie, Michael (Cynthia) Steffey, Bill Steffey also of San Antonio Texas. Also surviving is his father-in-law, David Kurimski, of Johnson City, Texas and mother-in-law, Chrystal Gilg of San Antonio. Joel (Freida) Clary of Green Bay Wisconsin. Helen (Randall) Haas of Washington Michigan. Grandparents Bob and Nita Clary also of the Soo. Numerous other loved ones too many to list. On Wednesday November 4, 2009 a celebration of Brandon''s life will be held from 12 noon until 4:00pm at Sault Area High School. Funeral Services with Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday November 4 at 4:00pm with Major Roger Rhodes officiating. Sergeant Arla Bennett and Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home, is assisting the Steffey family during this difficult time. In addition, Governor Granholm, by Executive Order, has directed all flags in the State of Michigan be flown at half-staff on Wednesday November 4, 2009 for Specialist Steffey, furthermore, Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Anthony Bosbous has requested that flags be flown at half-staff on Monday and Tuesday as well to recognize the ultimate sacrifice that Army Specialist Brandon K. Steffey made for the cause of his country.

Tributes

Brandon K. Steffey

October 6, 1986 - October 25, 2009