Jimmie Steffens, Longtime Iowa Aviation Manager, Dies at 71

Steffens worked at airports across the state during his career before passing away peacefully at his home in Pocahontas.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 12:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jimmie David Steffens, a longtime aviation manager in Iowa, passed away on March 1, 2026 at the age of 71 at his home in Pocahontas, Iowa. Steffens had a long career working at various airports across the state, including SKelgas in Denison, Owatanna Airport in St. Clair, Minnesota, and as a flight instructor in Centerville before ending his career as a manager at the West Union Airport.

Why it matters

Steffens' obituary highlights the important role that small-town airport managers play in connecting rural communities to the broader aviation network. His career trajectory also reflects the changing nature of the aviation industry in Iowa over the past several decades.

The details

According to the obituary, Steffens worked at a variety of airports throughout his career, starting at SKelgas in Denison, then earning an aviation degree at Webster City Community College. He later moved to St. Clair, Minnesota to work at the Owatanna Airport, before becoming a flight instructor in Centerville and eventually managing the West Union Airport. The obituary notes that Steffens "never met a stranger", suggesting he was well-liked in the aviation community.

  • Jimmie Steffens was born on February 16, 1955 in Creston, Iowa.
  • Steffens passed away peacefully at his home in Pocahontas, Iowa on March 1, 2026.

The players

Jimmie David Steffens

A longtime aviation manager in Iowa who worked at various airports across the state during his 40-year career before passing away at the age of 71.

Brenda Steffens

Jimmie Steffens' wife, who passed away before him.

John and Ruth (Snyder) Steffens

Jimmie Steffens' parents, who also passed away before him.

Gary D. Steffens

Jimmie Steffens' brother, who passed away before him.

Joyce Anderson

Jimmie Steffens' sister, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

Bruce (LuAnne) Steffens

Jimmie Steffens' brother, who lives in Griswold, Iowa.

Judy Steffens

Jimmie Steffens' sister-in-law, who lives in Atlantic, Iowa.

Samara

One of Jimmie Steffens' children, who lives in Urbandale, Iowa.

Francine

One of Jimmie Steffens' children, who lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

John

One of Jimmie Steffens' children, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

Billie Jo

One of Jimmie Steffens' children, who lives in Algona, Iowa.

Jimmie Steffens Jr.

One of Jimmie Steffens' children, who lives in Kansas City.

Chance Steffens

One of Jimmie Steffens' grandchildren, who lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

Micah Steffens

One of Jimmie Steffens' grandchildren, who lives in Canton, Minnesota.

Bronson Steffens

One of Jimmie Steffens' grandchildren, who lives in Canton, Minnesota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Jimmie Steffens' obituary highlights the important role that small-town airport managers play in connecting rural communities to the broader aviation network. His career trajectory reflects the changing nature of the aviation industry in Iowa over the past several decades, as he worked at various airports across the state before retiring.