A beautiful Life

Please click the link below to view the full obituary, summarizing a beautiful life and legacy.

http://strathroy.denningfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/3845/Rick-Steffler/obituary.html#tribute-start

Preliminary information

Hi everyone,

We will post the full obituary here on the blog a little later this afternoon once we sure up details. However, it looks like the visitation will be Friday September 23rd from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at all saints parish in Strathroy. There will be an additional visitation Saturday September 24th at 10 am followed by the funeral mass at 11 am also at All Saints Parish. For those who are far away or cannot attend there will also be a live online stream of the funeral mass - details to follow.

Thanking you for your continued support,
The Stefflers.

At Peace

Hello Everyone,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of my dad last night around 11:50pm. Our lives are forever changed.  He went very peacefully, surrounded by love, in the arms of his family. Our hearts are broken, as I am sure all of yours are too. We know that dad is at peace, and we take comfort in knowing his pain and suffering are over. Heaven is a better place today.

We will update more information soon regarding the arrangements once we have finalized the visitation and funeral plans.
We thank you for all of your love and support during this unbearably difficult time.
-The Steffler's

Hi Everyone,

Our past few days in the Hospice setting have been very peaceful. My dad has adjusted well and is very comfortable. His medical team here really prioritizes his pain management. The doctors informed us that in order to relieve his pain, the trade-off would be that my dad would be very tired and groggy. While the past few days he has been very fatigued and quite disoriented, today he had a really good day. My dad was awake and lucid most of the evening and was making jokes and telling stories. We brought him outside for some fresh air and he loved every  minute of it. My dad has had many visitors since arriving at the hospice who have truly brightened our days. It is so comforting to be surrounded by people who love and respect my dad- it is such a gift to learn what an impact he has had on so many lives. Please don't forget that these relationships are reciprocal, and that dad cherishes each and everyone of you too. Our strength is tested every day, but the love and support we receive from all of you helps sustain us. 

We will update again soon,

-Holly

september 13

Hello all,

Today Rick was transferred from the hospital in london to a hospice in the kitchener-waterloo area. Rick tolerated the transfer well, and the hospice is lovely. Obviously, our focus is now to make sure rick is comfortable and this is the best setting for that. It is also a blessing that we have so much family in the KW area for support. Everyone is doing well, and we are so thankful to be out of the hospital and into a more private and comfortable setting.

Sending love to all, and once again thanking you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Prayers Answered

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday Chris and I were married in front of our immediate family. The day was truly magical and a dream true for many reasons, but especially because I had the love and presence of my father.  Dad walked me down the aisle, and beamed with joy during every stride. Dad was a true hero yesterday. He was full of energy and pride, smiling from ear from ear as we walked hand in hand. His strength was felt by the entire room, and his will and determination was so beautifully obvious all night long. Mom and dad spoke passionately, talking about their hopes and dreams for Chris and I, while also reflecting on the past and sharing cherished memories. Despite needing the comfort of his wheelchair, Dad did not let that stop us from sharing a dance as father and daughter. We danced to butterfly kisses, which has been our song for 25 years. Yesterday was a wonderful day for the Steffler and Hillen families, proof that dreams really do come true. While Chris and I were surrounded by a small intimate crowd yesterday, we felt the love and support of many. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. We are over joyed.

Sept 2

Hello all,

My dad had a tube inserted into his stomach yesterday. The team was not able to advance the tube into his intestines and I guess there are multiple mechanical obstructions now. Thus, the tube will be used for venting purposes only to relieve symptoms should he obstruct fully again.

My dad continues to have minimal pain, and no nausea or vomiting. He is working hard with physio and we hope to either get him home or get him back to Strathroy in the hospital or a hospice of some sort. We're hoping this can be arranged sometime next week.

Sadly, with a feeding tube out of the cards, my dad will only be able to obtain nutrition for as long as his bowels stay open. When exactly his bowels close off completely is out of our control. Once that happens, sadly there is not much else we can do. In the meantime, we just have to take things in stride one day at a time. My dad remains in good spirits, determined as all hell to walk my sister down the aisle.  We are all looking forward to that day, which is coming very soon.

As always, thanks for all your love and support.

Matt