Alfred J. Steinke

Alfred J. Steinke, 92, of Wapakoneta, died at 7:20 p.m., Thurs. Dec. 5, 2019, at the Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born March 13, 1927, in Fryburg, OH, the son of Benedict & Alma (Brown) Steinke, who preceded him in death. On June 20, 1951, he married Erma R. (Greve) Steinke, and she survives. Other survivors include, 8 children, Kenneth (Cheryl) Steinke, Wapakoneta; Deborah (Ron) Huelskamp, Troy, OH; Ivan (Patty) Steinke, Ansonia, OH; Steven (Marlene) Steinke, Anna, OH; Marvin (Theresa) Steinke, Wapakoneta; William “Bill” Steinke, Wapakoneta; Edward Steinke, Wapakoneta; and Richard (Kim) Steinke, Wapakoneta, 21 grandchildren, & 37 great grandchildren; 4 siblings, George (Judy) Steinke, Wapakoneta; Rita (Lawrence) Tebbe, Wapakoneta; Catherine Schmerge, Botkins; Mary Ellen Pauly, Galion, OH; a sister-in-law, Jane Steinke, Wapakoneta; a brother-in-law, Norbert (Phyllis) Greve, Wapakoneta. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jean Marie Steinke, 2 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Joseph (Christine) Steinke and Francis Steinke, and 2 brothers-in-law, George Schmerge. & James Pauly. Alfred was a life long farmer, and also worked at Unisteel, Lima for 20 years. A 1945 graduate of Blume High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta. His other memberships included the K of C, Council #1272; the American Legion Post #330; the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #691; the Farm Bureau; the National Holstein Assn.; the Buckeye Farm Antiques; and the Maple Syrup Assn. Alfred enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and polka dancing. He also enjoyed playing ball with his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren, and supported his grandchildren & great grandchildren by attending the junior fair judging at the county fair. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Fri. Dec. 13, 2019, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Rev. Sean Wilson officiating. Burial is to follow in the Resthaven Memory Gardens, Moulton, Oh, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Thur. at the Eley Funeral Home and Crematory, St. Rt. 501. Memorial contributions may be directed to the 4-H Jr. Fair Boosters or St. Joseph Catholic Church Capital Improvement Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Alfred J. Steinke

March 13, 1927 - December 5, 2019