David Roberts Stefferud

David Roberts Stefferud died peacefully in his home on January 25, 2018 at the age of 85. His beloved wife, Andree, née Higgins, was his devoted partner for fifty years and preceded him in death in 2005. They are survived by four of her six children, David’s treasured stepchildren, Andree, Diane, Arlene, and Cherie. His son Michael died in 2001 and Stanley in 2013. He is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, sister, Christine S. Jacoby of Virginia, and brother, John Stefferud (Erica), nieces and nephews. He was born in 1932 in Minneapolis, MN and, son of a news reporter, spent his first five years in Berlin, Germany and Vienna, Austria. He left with his parents, Doris R. Stefferud, and Alfred D. Stefferud, just as the Second World War was beginning. Stefferud attended Harvard College (1965) and The Industrial College of the Armed Forces (with distinction, 1975). He was commissioned in the US Navy in 1954 and served for thirty years in ships and stations across the world. Captain Stefferud commanded ships as a junior officer, as a Commander, and as a Captain. On shore assignments, he was on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, taught at both the Naval War College and The Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was also in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He was twice a Commodore. First, in Vietnam as the operational commander of US Naval inshore and riverine vessels, such as the famed Swift Boats, then, as a senior officer, he was a Task Force Commander in the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, responsible for all Fleet logistics and the operation of ten stores, ammunition, salvage, repair, and fuel replenishment ships. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for each of these assignments and additionally with the Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon and other awards for his Vietnam service. After retiring from his final post as Commander of the Readiness Support Group, Mayport, Florida, and from the Navy, he returned to his favorite city and Andree’s family home, the New Orleans area, and from his residence in Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish, was employed as a Program Manager at Avondale Shipyards and Site Manager for engineering firms under contract to the Navy. Captain Stefferud served on the Board of Directors of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum from its inception until the completion of the Museum’s current facility. He served on the Board and as Secretary of the Louisiana Landmarks Society and was editor of the Society’s newsletter. With a growing population and left without adequate library after Hurricane Katrina, St. Tammany Parish and the town of Madisonville in particular clearly needed new and modern library facilities. Stefferud advocated for a state of the art library, was appointed to the Parish Library Board of Control, and was able to see the completion of a first-class building designed and built for this purpose. David, the quintessential gentleman, was loved by his family and friends. He is remembered for his keen wit, extensive knowledge, and endearing charm. He loved his life in Madisonville. A Celebration of Life will be held at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA on Sunday, February 4th, 2018 at 3:00 PM with Visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. All are welcome. In honor of his sartorial splendor, please embrace color. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Madisonville Library or Maritime Museum. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

David Roberts Stefferud

December 27, 1932 - January 25, 2018