William Paul Steinke

Bill was born to Henry F. Steinke and Lydia B. Steinke (née Krueger) and raised on the family farmstead outside Niagara, ND where work and self-reliance shaped his life. Bill farmed alongside his family until the age of 17 when he left home to join the US Air Force ultimately achieving rank of Master Sergeant and received an honorable discharge.

After active duty, he pursued higher education, earning his undergraduate degree from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE and later his Master’s in Education from The University of North Dakota.

Bill married Suellen Palya (née Schultz), and together they adopted three children: Janelle, Kris, and Bob before separating years later. Bill dedicated much of his professional life to education, holding teaching and administrator positions in central and southern Minnesota. His career culminated with his retirement as Superintendent of Schools in Ellsworth, MN.

Never idle, Bill embarked on a new chapter following retirement from education. He became ordained as a minister in the Lutheran Church and earned a Doctor of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and served the next 20 years as a hospice and palliative care chaplain in Minneapolis, MN and later in Mesa, AZ. He brought compassion, guidance and comfort to countless families during life’s most difficult moments.

Bill ultimately retired in Mesa, where he embraced an active social life and enjoyed dancing and spending time with friends. He had a lifelong passion for automobiles and was known for his ability to fix anything with wheels or a propeller. An accomplished aviator, Bill maintained a private pilot’s license for more than 50 years. He had his instrument rating and owned multiple aircraft which brought him joy and adventure throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Janelle Janes (Kyle) her children Krystal Bermudez Janes (Lucio), Kenneth Janes (Heather), Mikhaila Janes (Richard) and 6 great-grandchildren, his son Bob Steinke (Jean) his children George Steinke, Lilly Steinke and RJ Steinke, a brother, John Steinke (Susan née Krueger), sister-in-law Sue Steinke, a nephew and 3 nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marie Steinke his brother Alfred Steinke and his son Kris Steinke.

Instead of services, there will be a family celebration of life at a later date.

To honor Bill, donations may be made in the name of William P. Steinke to The Hospice Foundation of America 1701 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036.