Florence Stella Toebben, 90, Vienna, passed from this life Thursday, Sept.1, 2022, at her residence near Vienna.
She was born Sept. 15, 1931, a daughter of Herbert Henry and Caroline Frances (Moeller) Stegeman at Elston, in Cole County.
She was united in marriage April 6, 1953, at St. Martins, to Ralph John Toebben, and to this union, eight children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, and two of their children, Frederick Toebben at age three days and Verna Toebben at age two years.
Florence was a member of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Vienna. For many years, she was responsible for making the gravy for church dinners and was known for cutting the perfect piece of pie at those events as well. Florence enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and especially being with her family and grandchildren.
She began her career at Tweedie Shoe Company, Jefferson City, and then in 1972, she became employed at Quaker Window Products Company, Freeburg, for twenty-four years. Florence then assisted her son, Kenny, with his firewood business and later was a childcare provider for her grandchildren. She was a devoted housewife and homemaker as well.
She is preceded in death by husband and children; parents Herbert and Caroline; grandson Kevin Reeves; granddaughter Kimberly Toebben; siblings Elmer Stegeman, Catherine Welch, Irene Adrian, Ed Stegeman, Paul Stegeman and Leroy Stegeman; and brother-in-law Jim Berendzen.
Florence is survived by children Richard Toebben and wife Gloria of Vichy, David Toebben and wife Donna of Centertown, Nancy Reeves and husband Roy of Vienna, Michael Toebben and wife Kathy of Dixon, Kenneth Toebben and wife Susan of Vienna, and Joan Capler and husband Mike of Westphalia; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; siblings Marylou Taggart and husband Fred of St. Martins, Marvin Stegeman and wife Becky of Elston, Ann Berendzen of Centertown, and Robert Stegeman and wife Jeanie of St. Martins; plus nephews, nieces, other relatives, and many friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday (today), Sept. 7, from 5–7 p.m., in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, and Thursday, Sept. 8, from 9–11 a.m., with a rosary service at 9 a.m., in St. Martin Catholic Church, 7148 Business 50 West, St. Martins, with a Mass of Christian burial following at 11 a.m. in the church with Rev. Jason Doke as the celebrant.
Interment for Mrs. Toebben will be next to her husband, Ralph, in the St. Martin Cemetery, St. Martins, with her pallbearers being Travis Toebben, Stephen Neubert, Bradley Reeves, Jason Toebben, Colby Toebben, and Dylan Verhoff, and her honorary pallbearers being Daniel Neubert, Adam Meyer, and Eli Kreikemeier.
Immediately following the interment ceremony for Mrs. Toebben, the family extends an invitation to all in attendance to share a meal with them in the St. Martins Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 Route T, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Florence Toebben are suggested by her family to Hospice Compassus, 3405 W. Truman Blvd., Suite 210, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
