Cletus "Dan" L. Stegg

Cletus “Dan” L. Stegg, 91, of Santa Clara, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026.

Born on September 5, 1934, in Adrian, Michigan, Dan was the fifth of six children born to Elmer Henry Stegg and Selma Maria Carlson Stegg. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951, completing basic training at Camp Polk, Louisiana, and serving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. During the Korean War era he was stationed in Europe before returning to Tucson, where he met Helen Janet Pulliam. They married on February 5, 1955, in Deming, New Mexico, and settled in Grant County after his honorable discharge in December 1955. Together they raised three children and shared 50 years of marriage until Helen’s passing in April 2005. Dan later married Linda Middlebrook on September 30, 2006.

Dan worked briefly with Clifton Chevrolet in Silver City before beginning a nearly four-decade career at the Kennecott Copper Mine in Santa Rita, starting as a shovel mechanic and later becoming a crane operator. He retired on February 28, 1997. He found great pleasure in dancing to Western music, fishing, gardening, RVing, bowling, and playing cards with dear friends Jack and Wilma Tapscott. A devoted sports fan, he cheered for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers and took special pride in watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics. In 2010 he achieved a perfect 300 game in bowling, a feat that reflected the same precision and dedication he brought to every part of life.

Above all, Dan was remembered for his tender heart, quiet generosity, and deep devotion to family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda Middlebrook of Santa Clara; his children, Johnny A. Stegg and wife Vickie of Greenleaf, Kansas, Brenda A. Stegg Dominguez and husband Ray of Gila, New Mexico, and Michael P. Stegg and wife Valerie of Rio Rico, Arizona; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen, his parents, and all five of his siblings.