Mary Louise "Lou" Steinman

Lou was born on May 6th 1934 to Ralph and Florence Valentine, she was the youngest of 3 children and her father affectionately called her ‘Runt’. She grew up in Algona Iowa attending catholic school in her early years before switching to public school and becoming a cheerleader. She developed a love of sports at an early age, particularly high school and college wrestling and football of all kinds. Lou enjoyed roller skating and was part of a group that would go around to local rinks and put on shows. There were 5 guys and 4 gals. One time when they piled into the car Lou had to sit on Don’s lap and this is how she met her future husband, Don Steinman. Dates consisted of going to the movies (where Don would catch up on his sleep); or met other couples at the local tennis court and shine the headlights of the cars on the court, turn up the radio and dance.

Lou and Don were married on August 4th 1956 in Algona Iowa, at that time Lou’s father told Don “Thank God she is yours”, Don Responded, “Why didn’t you tell me that 2 hours ago”. Shortly after giving birth to their son Jerome “Jerry” in 1958 they would move to Chicago where Don would attend DeVry Technical College. While in Chicago, Lou realized that she had a poor since of direction and would often find herself going the wrong way on a one way street, especially trying to get back home from the Laundromat. She became well acquainted with most of the police officers in the Chicago area, who learned what day was laundry day and would escort her back to her home. It was easier that way. Once Don completed his education, he took a job with RCA that took the family to New Jersey in 1960. During this training, Don was given an opportunity to go to work in Colorado and was only given 10 minutes to decide if he wanted to take the job. He went home that evening and informed Lou that they were moving to Colorado the next day. The family arrived in Colorado in May of 1961 and 3 months later Lou gave birth to their daughter Cheryl. Lou claimed that she had to give birth to her daughter in order to meet her first native Coloradoan.

In Colorado, Lou would take a job for the Citizen Newspaper. It was during this time that she began threatening people by pointing a bent finger (even before developing arthritis) and stating “I will bite your nose”. Which several people can attest, that it was not just a threat. However, her nieces and nephews could be kept in line by just saying “I will call Aunt Lou and have her set you straight”. One thing that could be counted on was for Lou to tell you exactly how it is without holding back. So, if you weren’t prepared to hear the truth then you shouldn’t ask the question or for advice.

Over the years, Lou would enjoy bowling in a league; play softball, where she realized that even though she was right-handed she batted better left-handed; continue her love of camping and fishing; learned that she also enjoyed snowmobiling; joined IOF Foresters that incorporated several activities that she enjoyed. Lou also enjoyed traveling and seeing the sights but only if it was by land or water, she did not like to fly. One of her favorite trips would be to Las Vegas where she could attend a Wayne Newton show and play black jack.

Lou was a connoisseur of junk food. Some of her favorites were a Pepsi, popcorn and cherry mash; or maybe Lay’s potato chips and candy corn; but then there is nothing like a thick, chocolate malt from DQ. However, she believed that any sandwich can be made better with grape jam (not jelly, but jam), whether it be ham, turkey, bologna or even a hamburger. Lou was also a firm believer in eating dessert first so that you would have room for it.

In 1981, Don’s job would take them to Bountiful, Utah where Lou would work for Chevron Research Company. Later in 1981, Lou and Don celebrated 25 years of marriage with a cruise to Alaska. In 1985, Lou would begin the pleasure of spoiling her granddaughter Alisha. Once the research project was over in 1987 Lou would take early retirement, just to be sure that she would be able to handle it. Lou now had time to work on her grandma talents of knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. This also helped to keep her fingers nimble as she was starting to develop arthritis in her hands and feet. As her arthritis worsened she switched to playing hand held games, such as poker, blackjack, and solitaire. Another talent that she was able to master, was the art of saying “I am going to take a 15 minute nap” and then lay down and sleep soundly for 15 minutes and was able to wake up without any assistance, completely refreshed.

In 1989, Don also retired and they were now free to travel around the US and Canada. They purchased a van, trailer and took off to explore the US. One of the first trips was to return to Alaska and explore the interior part since the cruise covered the exterior. This would be the first of several trips to Alaska, and Lou was also able to truthfully answer the question “Does a bear shit in the woods?” because she witnessed it firsthand. However, she really enjoyed watching the sea otters in the bay at Valdez.

Lou and Don spent their first retirement winter down in Apache Junction Arizona, their plan was to try and spend each winter in a different southern state. They wound up making so many new and wonderful friends and enjoying the area that they returned every winter except for this last one. During the summer months they would travel the northern part of US. So, they managed to see most of the US except for a few south eastern states. In 2005 Lou became Great-Grandma to a great-grandson named Hunter and in 2009 she was blessed again with another great-grandson named Xander.

The last 4 years Lou had spent fighting various infections, circulatory problems and malnutrition and was in and out of hospitals and rehab facilities. She had numerous appointments with a variety of different doctors. All during this time Lou kept a positive attitude and would often say “Things could be worse.”.

On June 19th 2012, it is still undecided as to whether or not things could be worse or if things are better now.