John F Steinke

Mr. John F. Steinke of Minocqua, WI fell asleep in Jesus on Friday, April 22, 2022 at the age of 82. John was born on January 6, 1940, in Milwaukee, WI to Clarence and Erna (nee Kressin) Steinke. He was baptized February 3, 1940 (at home) through Cross Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, where he attended grade school and was Confirmed on March 29, 1953.

John attended high school for two years at Concordia College-Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Class of 1957. Following graduation, John served in the Army Reserves while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. John spent the majority of his career at Tekra Corporation before retiring in 2014.

John was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Marian Seefeldt, on June 23, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine, and lived in Madison, Milwaukee, and Brookfield, WI, while raising their 4 children.

John lived a life of faith centered in Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, WI for 46 years, holding many offices and being on many boards. He was a faithful member of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI from 2014 until his death. His funeral service is based on his Confirmation life verse, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.” (2 Timothy 3:14)

John prioritized his family and the close relationships he had with so many friends and co-workers. He loved to laugh and quickly made everyone around him feel like family. He was a compassionate and generous man and taught his children that life is about relationships. He cherished fishing, boating, and sharing stories with his children and grandchildren. Most of all, he loved his bride, Marian, and spending quiet moments with her by the lake. John will be remembered for his smile, his laughter, and the wisdom he shared with family, friends, and co-workers. He will also be remembered for his Christmas Eve devotions and midnight noshes.

John was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Erna (nee Kressin) Steinke, and an infant brother. He is survived by his four children: Gregory (Linda) Steinke of Madison, OH, Jennifer (Andrew) Erdmann of Chanhassen, MN, Andrew (Katherine) Steinke of Brookfield, WI, and Michael (Kelly) Steinke of Grand Chute, WI; 11 grandchildren: James Steinke; Brittany, Allison, Christina and Johnathan Erdmann; Timothy, Amanda, Ashley and Zachary Steinke; Katelyn and April Steinke. He is further survived by nephews, nieces, other family and friends.

Visitation for John will be held on Friday, May 6, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10025 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am presided by John and Marian’s pastor, Rev. Brian Liermann of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Minocqua, WI. Guests are invited to attend a luncheon following the service to celebrate John’s life. The burial will take place at Hochheim Cemetery, Hochheim Road, Theresa, WI 53091 at 2:30 pm. Everyone attending the committal should plan to depart the luncheon for the cemetery by 1:45 pm.

Memorials are suggested to support the ministry of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Minocqua, WI or the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Almaty (Kazakhstan). John and Marian enjoyed hosting the President of the ELC-Almaty, Rev. Sasha Burtsev, at their home in Minocqua in 2019. Checks for ELC-Almaty may be made to “ORLC” with the note, “ELC-Almaty.”

Nimsgern Funeral Home, Woodruff, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.