We were so happy that my cousin Mark came to my daughter Kristy's college graduation in Georgia in 2014! He and Kristy were great friends and kept in touch through texts and cards over the years. He was a great source of encouragement to her as she pursued her higher education and career as a counselor.



Dr. Steinhoff was a close friend of our family, and my father Dr. Alexander Varkey, PhD, and my mother Mercy Alexander, MA. He was compassionate, humble, and a true Christian. I rejoice that he is in heaven, and look forward to our meeting. 

I saw this online and strangely enough after all of these years I recognized Mark immediately. I was a teenager and he and his older brother John went to the same church as I did. He was a very gentle young man and a very kind one. I wish I had never lost touch. My condolences to Joanne (Panzl) and John. 
Susan Schiller ( Esto).

Dr. Steinhoff was the first person I met on the first day of my freshman year at Liberty University 2001. I was wandering the halls of the Teacher Education building and must have looked as lost as I was. He was dressed in medieval clothing - Machiavelli perhaps - and stopped to ask if he could help me find something. As a history professor and history major, Steiny and I saw a lot of each other over the next several years and he continued to help and encourage me even after I graduated. He delighted to see the best in everyone - person, student, dog, whoever you were, Steiny was your biggest fan. Not only did he help me find TE 129 that first day of class, he helped me find my way as a student of history and as a follower of Christ. I am so very grateful for his friendship and encouragement throughout the 20 years that I knew him in this life.  He was a wonderful example of Christian love and scholarship. His words of exhortation over the years are gifts even now, reminding me to make the best use of all the time and talents that God has given me. I will miss you, Steiny, but will see you again someday. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 

I did not know Dr. Steinhoff very well, but he was my professor of Western Civilization at what was then Liberty Baptist College.  I always enjoyed his class.  We were invited to his home on one occasion.  I did run into him a few times in more recent years and was able to chat with him.  I am sorry to hear of his loss.

Dr. Mark Steinhoff  was both a scholar and one of the kindest people to ever teach in a classroom at Liberty.  I was blessed to know Mark as both a friend & colleague. He simply loved teaching.  I was always happy to lend Mark costumes when he wanted to do a special presentation.   Mark was a fighter and a man of great courage.  At least 25 years ago Mark was diagnosed with cancer in his lymph system.  Mark’s trust was in the Lord and God gave Mark the strength, grace, and courage to persevere against great odds.  A truly great member of the faculty has gone to be with the Lord.   
I will miss my friend but I know he is with all the saints who have rested from their labors singing: “Thy name Oh Jesus, Be Forever Blessed.  Alleluia! Alleluia!”

Markie, as we lovingly called him, was one of my favorite cousins and one of the few I've kept up with over the years. I have so many fond memories going back to our childhood on Long Island. Holidays always meant family gatherings and Markie would be sure to get his widowed mom, Aunt Blanche, to all of these even though it usually meant taking the train. He was a sweet and loving son who always looked out for his mom and eventually moved her down to Virginia to be near him. Markie was a great tour guide in NYC and also down in Virginia. Of course, museums or historical sites were his favorite places to take us! He and I were pen pals when he was in Vietnam and I was in high school. Even after his diagnosis of cancer, he always kept a positive and upbeat attitude and trusted God to keep him safe and well. He loved teaching at Liberty and made a true family of friends that he stayed close to even after his retirement. Markie was kind,gentle, sincere and loving and has made a huge impact on so many people's lives...especially mine! I will miss him greatly as will my whole family.  

Mark you were one of the kindest people I have ever known.  It was an honor to be your cousin.  I will miss your advice, your humor, your concern for others, your love of animals and so much more.  Rest in peace now with your mother and father  and my parents in heaven.  Much love to you aways dear, sweet man.

Mark was a dear friend to my parents Dr. Boyd and Norma Jean Rist for over 30 years. His soft, gentle voice and kind nature were known to all. I have a photo of him with me as a child and he is showing me how to make a dandelion necklace. That to me was Mark in a nutshell. Kind, patient and gentle. He and my dad were best of friends and colleagues as well, and I know my dad is happy he can hang out with Mark again in Heaven. 

Mr. Steinhoff was a great neighbor, friend and mentor to my children. He will be greatly missed by us and I know by many others of lives he has touched. He would always feed our cat when would go out town. You couldn't ask for a better person. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.  The Bailey Family

Mark was such a kind and gentle soul.  Since I been in a nursing home he would visit with his dog every Christmas day.  He had a wonderful sense of humor!  I will miss him greatly!   Debbie                        

Professor Steinhoff (Steiny) made history alive. He encouraged us to look past the facts and lists of dates to see the people and how they lived. But mostly he used history to point us to the gospel. My years at Liberty shaped me and pointed me to Christ. Prof. Steinhoff was a part of that. My condolences to the family and all who knew him. 

OBITUARY

Dr. Mark Wayne Steinhoff

August 20, 1945 – September 19, 2021

Frederick Funeral Home

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